“After this struggle, Moses is combating towards Usyk. We’d be offered out like that, it might do huge, huge numbers,” mentioned Warren to iFL TV. “The WBC is the following one. If he doesn’t struggle him, then he’s going to need to vacate it. If he does come by way of… that’ll decide whether or not he fights for the world title this yr.”
The maths simply doesn’t favor Itauma if he’s chasing Usyk particularly. As of March 2026, Usyk has been extremely vocal about his “three and out” plan. He isn’t simply searching for fights; he’s searching for a legacy-defining exit.
Usyk’s Ultimate Three-Combat Plan
Combat 1: Rico Verhoeven (Could 23, 2026): That is the fast hurdle. Regardless that it’s a crossover struggle, the WBC has sanctioned it as a voluntary protection.
Combat 2: Wardley-Dubois Winner: Usyk desires the winner of the Could 9 conflict to additional unify or defend his standing towards the highest of the following British technology.
Combat 3: Tyson Fury III: The “Grasping Stomach” trilogy is the grand finale Usyk desires at Wembley to shut the ebook.
Why Itauma is probably going out of luck. For Itauma to get Usyk, one among two issues has to occur, and neither appears doubtless:
1. The WBC forces a Necessary: Even when Itauma beats Franklin this Saturday and wins a ultimate eliminator later this yr, the WBC has already dominated that the Usyk-Verhoeven winner should face interim champ Agit Kabayel subsequent. That pushes every other obligatory again to 2027—previous Usyk’s retirement date.
2. Usyk adjustments his thoughts: Usyk is 39. He’s already achieved undisputed standing twice. There may be little or no incentive for him to take a high-risk, lower-reward struggle towards a 21-year-old powerhouse like Itauma when he might be enjoyable in Kyiv.
The Actuality for Itauma. His greatest likelihood at a world title is by combating for the vacant belts as soon as Usyk retires. If Usyk beats Fury within the trilogy and hangs them up, these titles will scatter. As the present WBA and WBO #1, Itauma can be first in line to struggle for these vacant straps, doubtless towards whoever is left standing between Wardley, Dubois, or Kabayel.
Frank Warren is pushing the “world title in 2026” narrative to maintain the hype constructing, however except Usyk’s retirement plan falls aside, Itauma is chasing a ghost.
