Warren links Itauma to Usyk title shot as sanctioning order complicates path
Frank Warren says Moses Itauma could fight Oleksandr Usyk for a world title this year if he wins this weekend. The claim comes despite Usyk outlining a limited schedule before retirement.
He mentions specifically Itauma, 21, fighting unified heavyweight champion Usyk. The 39-year-old hasn’t already revealed his three-fight list before retirement, and Itauma isn’t on it.
“After this fight, Moses is fighting against Usyk. We would be sold out like that, it would do massive, massive numbers,” said Warren to iFL TV. “The WBC is the next one. If he doesn’t fight him, then he’s going to have to vacate it. If he does come through… that’ll determine whether he fights for the world title this year.”
The math just doesn’t favor Itauma if he’s chasing Usyk specifically. As of March 2026, Usyk has been incredibly vocal about his “three and out” plan. He isn’t just looking for fights; he’s looking for a legacy-defining exit.
Usyk’s Final Three-Fight Plan
Fight 1: Rico Verhoeven (May 23, 2026): This is the immediate hurdle. Even though it’s a crossover fight, the WBC has sanctioned it as a voluntary defense.
Fight 2: Wardley-Dubois Winner: Usyk wants the winner of the May 9 clash to further unify or defend his status against the top of the next British generation.
Fight 3: Tyson Fury III: The “Greedy Belly” trilogy is the grand finale Usyk wants at Wembley to close the book.
Why Itauma is likely out of luck. For Itauma to get Usyk, one of two things has to happen, and neither looks likely:
1. The WBC forces a Mandatory: Even if Itauma beats Franklin this Saturday and wins a final eliminator later this year, the WBC has already ruled that the Usyk-Verhoeven winner must face interim champ Agit Kabayel next. That pushes any other mandatory back to 2027—past Usyk’s retirement date.
2. Usyk changes his mind: Usyk is 39. He’s already achieved undisputed status twice. There is very little incentive for him to take a high-risk, lower-reward fight against a 21-year-old powerhouse like Itauma when he could be relaxing in Kyiv.
The Reality for Itauma. His best chance at a world title is by fighting for the vacant belts once Usyk retires. If Usyk beats Fury in the trilogy and hangs them up, those titles will scatter. As the current WBA and WBO #1, Itauma would be first in line to fight for those vacant straps, likely against whoever is left standing between Wardley, Dubois, or Kabayel.
Frank Warren is pushing the “world title in 2026” narrative to keep the hype building, but unless Usyk’s retirement plan falls apart, Itauma is chasing a ghost.
