Oleksandr Usyk continues to sit on the heavyweight throne after a dominant run that has seen him outclass the division’s biggest names. The Ukrainian, now 38, reminded the world of his stature in July when he stopped Daniel Dubois in the fifth round of their rematch at Wembley Stadium. That victory made him a two-time undisputed heavyweight champion and solidified his legacy as one of the greatest fighters of his generation.
Yet as the victories pile up, so do questions about the end of his career. Usyk has openly admitted he has only a handful of fights left before retirement. That looming exit has opened the door for new contenders to stake their claim.
Moses Itauma’s Rapid Rise
The name generating the most intrigue is Moses Itauma. At just 20 years old, the British heavyweight has raced to a 13-0 record, including 11 knockouts. He recently demolished former champion Dillian Whyte in the first round, a result that elevated him to the top of the WBO rankings.
Usyk himself has praised Itauma’s talent, and his promoter Frank Warren recently fueled speculation about a potential clash. Warren confirmed that Itauma’s next bout will be on December 13 in Manchester against a “top 10 heavyweight.” While Warren did not name Usyk directly, the possibility now appears more realistic than ever.
Lennox Lewis Urges Caution
Not everyone believes Itauma is ready for a test as daunting as Usyk. Lennox Lewis, the former undisputed heavyweight champion, has urged the young contender to be patient. Speaking to Sky Sports, Lewis said, “Way too soon. It’s better to wait. Just wait until he retires, then take your shot. He’s not gonna be around too long.”
Lewis emphasized that rushing into a fight with a boxer of Usyk’s caliber could damage Itauma’s long-term career. He pointed to the unforgiving nature of the sport, noting that one poorly timed matchup can derail years of progress.
Joseph Parker and Other Options
Another key figure in this unfolding story is Joseph Parker, the former WBO champion and current interim titlist. Parker had been floated as Usyk’s next opponent, but he now appears close to finalizing a fight with Fabio Wardley. If that bout is made official, Itauma could find himself in prime position to secure a clash with Usyk sooner than expected.
The Ring Magazine rankings show Usyk atop the division, followed by Tyson Fury, Parker, Agit Kabayel, Dubois, Anthony Joshua, Filip Hrgovic, Fabio Wardley, Zhilei Zhang, and Martin Bakole. Itauma sits just outside this elite group, but his ranking and recent performances suggest he is not far from joining them.
Calls for Oleksandr Usyk to Retire
While Itauma plots his rise, voices within boxing are also calling for Usyk to step away while still on top. Veteran trainer Teddy Atlas has warned against the dangers of fighting too long, citing the late-career struggles of Muhammad Ali as an example.
I’ve seen too many sad endings. Usyk should retire now. He has inspired so many people, and I’d like to see a happy ending to this movie.
Usyk’s team, however, insists he is not finished. His adviser Sergey Lapin pushed back at criticism of the champion’s current condition, saying, “We don’t make decisions for the sake of talking, we make them for results.”
WBO Investigation Adds More Drama
Adding further intrigue, the WBO has launched an investigation into Oleksandr Usyk after a video surfaced of him dancing at a concert despite reports of a back injury. Following his July win over Dubois, the WBO ordered Usyk to begin negotiations with Joseph Parker, the mandatory challenger. But Usyk’s camp submitted medical documentation citing a back issue that required rest and therapy, and the sanctioning body granted an extension.
The video appeared to contradict those claims, prompting WBO Championship Committee Chairman Luis Batista Salas to demand a new medical evaluation. In a letter reviewed by Boxing Scene, Salas warned that failure to provide detailed proof of injury could lead to disciplinary action. The development has cast doubt over Usyk’s timeline and complicated the already tense negotiations with Parker.
The Road Ahead
For now, Oleksandr Usyk remains committed to at least one more fight, with Parker still a possibility. But Warren’s comments suggest that Itauma could leap into contention if the timing aligns. Whether that happens in 2025 or later may depend on how the December bout plays out.
What is clear is that the heavyweight division stands at a pivotal moment. Usyk’s legacy is secure, but the arrival of Itauma represents the next wave. If the young Brit continues his rise, he could soon inherit the crown from one of the greatest champions of this era.
