Naseem Hamed says he has major doubts that unified heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk will ever step into the ring with British prospect Moses Itauma.
A showdown between Oleksandr Usyk and Moses Itauma may be the kind of fantasy matchup that gets fans talking, but former world champion Naseem Hamed does not believe it will ever become reality. Speaking recently, Hamed argued that Usyk has little reason—financially or competitively—to face the unbeaten 21-year-old British heavyweight, even as Itauma’s profile continues to rise.
That view carries real weight in today’s heavyweight picture. Usyk currently holds the WBA, WBC and IBF titles, and every remaining fight on his schedule is judged through a legacy lens. For Itauma, meanwhile, a bout with Usyk would be a massive leap from blue-chip prospect to instant title player. In the American boxing conversation, Itauma has increasingly been seen as one of the division’s most dangerous young names, but also one who still needs a signature win over an established elite opponent.
Hamed made clear that he rates Itauma’s talent extremely highly, even if he believes the youngster is still short on experience at this stage.
“Would Itauma beat Usyk right now? He still lacks experience, but if you really push me, I’ll still say this: Moses can beat anybody,” Hamed said in an interview with talkSPORT Boxing.
Hamed then went a step further, questioning the logic of the matchup from Usyk’s side.
“Why would Usyk even fight Itauma? There’s no sense in it. That’s why I’m sure this fight will never happen. But do I believe Moses can deal with everyone else in the division? Oh my God, yes,” he said.
He also revealed a personal reason for his admiration, recalling a meeting with Itauma in Saudi Arabia, where the young contender told him he was his all-time favorite fighter.
For Usyk, the bigger story remains his upcoming appearance on May 23 in Giza, Egypt, where he is set to face kickboxer Rico Verhoeven. As for Itauma, the task now is simple: keep winning, force the title conversation, and make the kind of noise that leaves Usyk—or whoever holds the belts next—with fewer reasons to say no.
