Sergio Mora says he doesn’t think undisputed heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk should fight Moses Itauma before he retires in three years. He believes Usyk (24-0, 15 KOs) does not owe it to the unproven 20-year-old Itauma to boost his career by fighting him before he hangs up his gloves at 41.
No free ride for Itauma
Itauma (13-0, 11 KOs) has expressed interest in fighting Usyk, and considers it a “win-win” for him. He gets a world title shot, a big payday, and has a ready-made excuse to give to his fans if he loses. He can blame it on his lack of experience and his age.
If he wins the fight, there is a real gain. Either way, it works in Itauma’s favor while doing very little for Usyk other than a big payday. Itauma would get an undeserved opportunity.
The sanctioning bodies quickly gave Itauma a high ranking, despite not having fought any quality heavyweights. He is #1 WBA and #1 WBO, which means Usyk will have no choice but to fight him soon if he wants to hold on to those belts.
“There’s no way he should fight a guy half his age who hasn’t even had a quarter of his success,” Sergio Mora told Chris Mannix’s. channel on his belief that Oleksandr Usyk should not fight the less skilled Moses Itauma, who has never fought anyone other than a wilted 37-year-old Dillian Whyte.
Itauma’s last eight opponents
- Dillian Whyte
- Mike Balogun
- Demsey McKean
- Mariusz Wach
- Ilya Mezencev
- Dan Garber
- Michal Boloz
- István Bernáth
It will be less of a problem for Itauma to challenge for a world title if he has fought good opposition since turning pro in 2023. Just by judging his record, he doesn’t rate a world title against Usyk, and doesn’t belong at #1 in the rankings.
What’s interesting is that 2020 Olympic silver medalist Richard Torrez Jr. hasn’t been promoted as high as Itauma, even though he’s faced better opposition as a pro. Torrez Jr. (13-0, 11 KOs) also has better amateur credentials.
“Usyk has to make the decision about who he fights. Usyk doesn’t need to give him a boost in his career. It’s time for Moses Itauma to do it on his own watch,” Mora said.
“Moses Itauma hasn’t hit anyone yet,” Mannix said. “Itauma’s team knows he is not ready for Usyk. “I think if they fought tomorrow, Usyk would win that fight. Itauma, has he made it out of the third round yet?
Last updated on 22/10/2025
