From Dillian Whyte’s Dismal Performance to a Potential Usyk Challenge: What’s Next for Boxing Sensation Moses Itauma?

Moses Itauma’s promoter, Francis Warren of Queensberry, says he’ll be ready to capture a heavyweight world title by the end of the year, in December, potentially against Oleksandr Usyk after his win over Dillian Whyte on Saturday night in Riyadh.

The British journeyman, Whyte, didn’t even try to throw any punches tonight, other than a few half-hearted jabs, before being plundered in a first-round knockout loss to Itauma. Dillian looked beaten and old even before the fight started as he climbed into the ring with rickety-looking legs. Whyte had the appearance of an old warship long overdue for ship scrapping.

Is Itauma Ready for the Big Guys?

The finishing punch by Moses was a textbook right-hand punch to the back of the head. It was a beautiful rabbit punch that would have knocked out even the most steel-chinned fighters. It was perfect form by Itauma. The referee let the infraction go without stopping the action to give Whyte time to recover from the blow.

Francis says he wants Itauma (13-0, 11 KOs) to get a fight in and then a “big one in December.” He wasn’t giving out any names for who Itauma, 20, will fight next, but it’s going to have to be someone a lot better than what fans saw from 37-year-old Whyte (31-4, 21 KOs).

If Francis is serious about wanting Itauma to challenge Usyk for his titles in December, he needs to fight someone solid and not washed up for his next fight. No one was fooled by what we saw tonight. Whyte was completely shot and has been since he was knocked out three years ago by Tyson Fury in 2022.

“Absolutely, I totally agree with it. If we can get one in before December and then a big, big one in December,” said Francis Warren to talkSport Boxing when asked if he believes Moses Itauma can become heavyweight world champion by the end of the year.

“I don’t have to chat names around. We’re in a good position ranking-wise,” said Warren when asked if Agit Kabayel or Joseph Parker could be next for Itauma before his ‘big fight in December’ for a world title. “I think he’s ready for the big guys now. Absolutely,” said Francis on whether Oleksandr Usyk is included in the list.