Here’s a bold prediction that’s sure to spark debate: Roy Jones Jr. believes there’s only one clear winner in a potential Oleksandr Usyk vs. Moses Itauma showdown—and it’s not who you might think. But here’s where it gets controversial: Jones argues that the timing of this matchup could make or break the outcome, and he’s not convinced it’s the right move for either fighter just yet. Let’s break it down.
Usyk, the undisputed heavyweight champion, has already cemented his legacy as one of boxing’s all-time greats. With little left to prove, he’s eyeing just two or three more fights before calling it a career. And this is the part most people miss: while Usyk is targeting commercially viable opponents in the U.S., he’s not necessarily chasing the toughest challenges in the division. For instance, he’s expected to face Deontay Wilder later this year, likely in April or May, after his fifth-round stoppage of Daniel Dubois in July 2025. This fight, while exciting, is more about maintaining his dominance than pushing his limits.
On the flip side, Moses Itauma, the 21-year-old British sensation, is on a meteoric rise. Fresh off a first-round knockout of Dillian Whyte in August, Itauma is generating massive hype. But here’s the catch: despite his undeniable talent, Itauma hasn’t yet faced an opponent on Usyk’s level. His next bout against Jermaine Franklin on January 24 is expected to be his toughest test so far, but it’s still a far cry from stepping into the ring with a three-time undisputed champion like Usyk.
Jones, in a recent interview with Clubhouse Boxing, emphasized that Itauma needs to build his experience gradually. ‘Throwing him into a fight with Usyk right now would be like throwing him to the wolves,’ Jones warned, echoing his previous comments to The Ring. He believes Itauma has the raw ability to become a dominant force—explosive, skilled, and hungry—but only if he’s allowed to develop at his own pace. ‘If you rush him, you risk derailing his entire career,’ Jones added.
The question remains: will these two ever face off? While a ‘changing of the guard’ fight is tantalizing, it’s far from guaranteed. Usyk might retire before Itauma is ready, or the boxing world could shift in ways we can’t predict. But one thing’s for sure: if this fight does happen, timing will be everything.
So, here’s the thought-provoking question for you: Is Roy Jones Jr. right to caution against a premature Usyk-Itauma matchup, or should Itauma take the risk to prove himself against the best? Let us know in the comments!
