Moses Itauma urged by Lennox Lewis to abandon Oleksandr Usyk fight plan in quest for world titles

Lennox Lewis surprisingly wants Moses Itauma to avoid a fight with Oleksandr Usyk.

Itauma is likely closing in on a world title shot within the next year after a staggering rise as a 20-year-old heavyweight prodigy.

The rising British star scored a career-best demolition of Dillian Whyte in just one round in August to cement his name as one of the leading contenders from the chasing pack.

As he is ranked at No.1 with both the WBO and now the WBA, many have suggested that Itauma is now ready to try and become the first to beat current undisputed champion Usyk.

Anthony Joshua, Tyson Fury and Daniel Dubois have all tried and failed twice, but many believe Itauma could go one better given his immense ring talent.

Saudi boxing chief Turki Alalshikh has even teased he would like to make the fight imminently, and it could well land in 2026.

But heavyweight icon and former undisputed king Lewis believes he should simply wait for Usyk to vanish from the division before cashing in on his shot.

“Way too soon. You know, it’s better to wait,” he told Sky Sports.

“Wait until he retires. I mean, he’s not going to stay around too long. I’m talking Oleksandr Usyk, and then take your shot.  

“I mean there’s no use doing it right now. Right now you’re learning. You’re learning everything, and you have to wait for the right time.

“You can never be rushed If you rush, you know, you’re going to do a bad result for your career.

“So it’s better to take your time and take it when it’s there, when it’s ready, when you’re ready.” 

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Who will Moses Itauma fight next?

Itauma has been heavily linked with a bout against Usyk and it hasn’t been ruled out for 2026.

But the Ukrainian for now is yet to decide his next move, and has been ordered to face Joseph Parker first and foremost.

So the Briton now will likely return before the end of 2026 to maintain his level of activity.

And promoter Frank Warren has revealed that he has already had a headline show pencilled in for December 13 in Manchester.

Several opponents are understood to be in the pipeline including Filip Hrgovic.

Itauma himself is open to all options, but is waiting to finally get a stern test who can take him out of the early rounds.