Oleksandr Usyk knows who will succeed him as heavyweight champion
Oleksandr Usyk has backed rising star Moses Itauma to become the next undisputed heavyweight champion.
Usyk - a two-division undisputed champion - is set to return to the ring on July 19 against Daniel Dubois in what promises to be a mouthwatering rematch at Wembley Stadium in London. The pair first met back in 2023 - with the Ukrainian going on to stop 'Triple D' in the ninth round.
However, the fight was not without controversy. In the fifth round of their heavyweight dust-up, Usyk was sent crashing to the canvas with a body shot. That said, it was later deemed a low blow - much to the frustration of the Brit and his team.
Earlier this year, Usyk confirmed that he will fight two more times before calling it a day once and for all. As the Ukrainian approaches the end of his career, many fans are wondering who will be the next superstar to conquer boxing heaviest weight class.
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In an interview with talkSPORT, when asked who will succeed him as the next undisputed heavyweight champion, Usyk replied: "Moses Itauma, I think is a great fighter. Young. 20 years old. I think Itauma has a big future." Itauma, 20, remains unbeaten as a professional - with 10 of his 12 wins coming by way of knockout.
The young Brit recently scored an impressive knockout victory over Mike Balogun in his last outing back in May and has been backed to become a huge star in the sport. Itauma faces a tough test in his next fight as he is scheduled to go head-to-head with fellow Briton Dillian Whyte in Saudi Arabia on August 16.
Two-time heavyweight champion Tyson Fury is familiar with Itauma's power and ability, having sparred with him while preparing for his first meeting with Usyk in May 2024. Regarding the 20-year-old's talents, the 'Gypsy King' said: "One thing I will say about Moses, he's a good fighter, he's a good boxer. He's like a sponge, you tell him something and he absorbs it, he listens. He's only 20 years old. "I told him years ago, 'Don't worry about breaking records, you've only got one career, take your time and enjoy it.' Because I remember when I was 19 or 20 and now I'm 36 and it's gone.'
However, Fury warns that Itauma's upcoming clash with Whyte could be a step too early if he overlooks his British rival. 'It's a big step-up for Moses because he hasn't really fought anyone on Dillian's level, though the old Dillian was a couple of years ago," said Fury. 'It's gonna be interesting to see how much Whyte has left. Could this be similar to what Martin Bakole did to Jared Anderson? Maybe it's too early, maybe he passes with flying colours. And that's why you've got to watch it and find out."
When is Oleksansdr Usyk vs Daniel Dubois?
Oleksandr Usyk and Daniel Dubois will go head-to-head on July 19 at Wembley Stadium, London. 'Triple D' is out for revenge after tasting defeat in their initial encounter nearly two years ago. Despite Dubois being denied a knockdown, the Brit will be itching to become the first man to defeat the Ukrainian.
The whole card is set to be shown live on DAZN PPV - with the first fight roughly getting underway at around 5.40pm BST (12.40pm ET / 9.40am PT). Also on the card, Lawrence Okolie will be looking to further climb up the heavyweight ranks when he defends his WBC silver heavyweight title against former world champion Kevin Lerena. Also featuring on the card, Britain's Lewis Edmondson has a chance of intercontinental honours as he fights Daniel Lapin.
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