Frank Warren believes Oleksandr Usyk vs Moses Itauma could happen by the end of 2025.
Itauma is one of the brightest young stars in the sport and has a professional record of 11-0 at the age of just 20.
The Briton has been compared to Mike Tyson, but his promoters are keen to develop him thoroughly and take the correct opponents at the adequate time.
When discussing his plans for 2025, Itauma and his manager Francis Warren – the son of legendary promoter Frank – suggested it will be an aim to fight at least three times this year.
It was initially suggested that he would likely wait for a world title shot in 2026, despite being well ranked with the WBO.
But Saudi boxing chief Turki Alalshikh has his eyes on a dream fight with current unified champion Usyk.
And Warren believes that the fight could stunningly take place within this calendar year.
“His last fight was a phenomenal performance,” he said.
“He was briefly in the ring but it’s not just the knockout, it’s how you do it.
“I think [Itauma] could fight for a world title this year. Who knows? He may fight him [Usyk] this year. Anything’s possible.
“We’ve got to see what happens but the thing is with Moses, I think within another fight or two he’s quite capable of being in exactly the same company as all these guys.
“He can be up there with all of them.”
Itauma is expected to be a real threat to the heavyweight world title order.
Usyk is an incredible champion, but he is now 38 years old and doesn’t have many fights remaining.
It is expected he will next face fellow champion Daniel Dubois in a huge heavyweight showdown for the undisputed titles this summer.
He could then face challenger Joseph Parker next or even UFC star Alex Pereira, who he has teased a lucrative boxing fight with.
So for now Itauma could face a building process but there is certainly no rush.
He believes he needs more rounds before being thrust into a showdown with Usyk.
“I feel like with a fight against Usyk, I have a better skillset than him,” Itauma said.
“But I just feel like towards the later rounds, he would outdo me because I’ve never been in that sort of fight.
“So this year is about getting me some rounds, that is a big thing for us.
“I believe my skillset with my ring IQ and what I display in the ring, I think I’m the best in the world.
“But I need to test myself then, and I need to get opponents where I can get to the later rounds.”
