George Groves makes his Usyk vs. Moses Itauma fight prediction

Moses, this is going to hurtThe American’s rise has been so rapid that the biggest question now is not whether he will fight for the world heavyweight title, but who he will face once he gets there – and even if Alexander Ousyk could stop it.

Promoter Frank Warren has already backed his man to fight for a world title in 2026but it is difficult to ignore the magnitude of the task. Usyk, reigning WBC, WBA and IBF champion, remains the benchmark of the division.

Despite his burgeoning career and young age of just 21, Itauma is already linked with a future showdown against the two-time undisputed champion.

Remarkably, such is the hype around the Briton that he has only fought 13 times and boxed just 26 professional rounds, compared to the 204 rounds Usyk logged across 24 fights at heavyweight and cruiserweight.

Itauma returns on January 24 against tough campaigner Jermaine Franklin Jr, while Usyk (24-0, 15 KOs) targets a clash with former WBC ruler Deontay Wilder as he looks to close out a run that has already seen him defeat Anthony Joshua, Daniel Dubois and Tyson Fury twice.

In the sanctioning body rankings, Itauma is already the number one contender in both the WBA and WBO – the latter belt now owned by Fabio Wardley after Usyk vacated the title, allowing the Briton to move from interim world champion to full world champion.

Former WBA super middleweight champion George Groves, now a regular TV and radio pundit, offered his views on a possible Usyk-Itauma reunion during an interview with The escapee in July last year.

“I think he beats Moses Itauma now. I think maybe in 12 months he won’t beat Itauma. And maybe then it will be like the passing of the torch.”

Usyk has indicated he would like to fight two or three more times, a schedule that could take him through 2027. If both men continue on their current trajectory – and maintain their unbeaten records – the clash Groves alluded to could yet become inevitable.

For now, Itauma (13-0, 11 KO) remains the future and Usyk the present – ​​but in a division defined by timing, the moment where these two realities collide might be closer than expected. Groves will have a keen eye on their upcoming outings, measuring how much Itauma improves and checking to see if Usyk loses a step.