Moses Itauma Targets 2026 Return After Breakthrough Win

Rising heavyweight sensation Moses Itauma has confirmed that he is unlikely to fight again before the end of 2025, targeting an early 2026 return to the ring.

The 19-year-old British prospect last fought in August, delivering a stunning first-round knockout over Dillian Whyte, a performance that established him as one of the most exciting young names in heavyweight boxing. Itauma had initially planned to box in December 2025, but the scheduling issues have delayed plans.

“I wanted to box December 13, but that date appears to have been taken by Dillian Whyte versus Derek Chisora,” Moses Itauma said to Sky Sports News. “So now, I reckon my next fight will most likely be towards the end of January or February. We will see how that goes.”

Short Ring Time in 2025 for Moses Itauma

If his next fight does actually occur in early 2026, then it would be that Moses Itauma had fought just twice in 2025, for a total of little more than three rounds of action a testament to his knockout ability and brief battles. In the future, Itauma reiterated that his ultimate desire is still straightforward: to knock out each person put in front of him.

“It’s possible to make goals, but there are times when things don’t go as you wish,” Itauma remarked. “My priority is to knock out whoever they place in my way that’s all I can do.”

WBA Title Situation Complicates Itauma’s Next Move

One of the holdups for Itauma’s return is the unclear fate of the WBA ‘regular’ heavyweight title, presently in the possession of Kubrat Pulev. The WBA had instructed Moses Itauma as the subsequent challenger to Pulev’s belt. But Pulev now has stated he will fight in December against Murat Gassiev, leaving the title’s future uncertain.

Itauma’s promoter Frank Warren was frustrated with the development:

We have to wait and see what comes of this Pulev-Gassiev fight,” Warren remarked. “The WBA mandated Pulev to defend against Moses Itauma, so I can’t imagine how he can weasel out of that. They’re discussing fighting in Dubai, but to the best of my knowledge, the WBA has not sanctioned the bout. So we’ll just have to see where it goes.

Warren also assured that when the WBA situation normalizes, they are determined to push Itauma’s claim to the secondary belt, putting him in line for a potential world title opportunity in the future.

Fabio Wardley Receives Praise from Moses Itauma

Before he can get his next opportunity, Moses Itauma took time to sing the praise of his training partner Fabio Wardley, who stopped Joseph Parker to boost his profile in the heavyweight division.

Itauma called Wardley’s path “a real Rocky story” and praised his meteoric rise in the sport.

“He’s knocked out a man with an extensive amateur background and established experience,” Itauma said. “Fabio went from a couple of unlicensed fights to now potentially fighting for the heavyweight title of the world. It’s not a joke — it’s a proper Rocky story.”

Itauma added that if Wardley ever faces Oleksandr Usyk, he would fully support him despite acknowledging the difficulty of the challenge:

“If he does fight Usyk, I’d back him all the way. He’s done it all himself and overachieved massively. Whatever happens next is just a bonus for him.”

What’s Next for Moses Itauma

As his fans await his next outing with bated breath, Moses Itauma is still one of the brightest young boxing hopes in Britain. With an unblemished record and incredible knockout power, his promoter Frank Warren is certain that 2026 may be the year in which he enters title contention.

If the WBA situation pans out for him, Itauma could be headed towards challenging for the ‘regular’ heavyweight title, yet another giant leap in his meteoric rise in the professional ranks.