Boxing’s most intriguing generational clash is brewing as Anthony Joshua vs Moses Itauma emerges as a potential blockbuster for 2026. The fight between the 35-year-old former unified heavyweight champion and the 20-year-old rising star has captured the imagination of fight fans, but promoter Eddie Hearn has set strict conditions for making this British-Nigerian heavyweight showdown a reality.
Eddie Hearn’s World Title Ultimatum
Eddie Hearn has made it clear that Anthony Joshua would only face Moses Itauma if a world title is on the line. The Matchroom promoter sees little upside for Joshua in taking the fight without championship gold at stake.
Speaking to Sky Sports, Hearn revealed that Joshua would take a world title fight with Moses Itauma “in a heartbeat”, but emphasized the importance of meaningful stakes. The promoter’s stance reflects the complex dynamics of modern heavyweight boxing, where established champions must carefully choose their battles.
Hearn describes the potential matchup as “zero gain” for Joshua without a title attached, viewing it as a “lose-lose situation” from a business perspective. This calculated approach highlights the strategic thinking behind major boxing decisions in today’s market.
Moses Itauma’s Meteoric Rise
The 20-year-old Itauma has taken the heavyweight division by storm with his explosive knockout power and mature ring presence. Most recently, Itauma demolished former world title challenger Dillian Whyte with a first-round knockout on August 16, 2025, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Itauma was voted The Ring’s 2024 Prospect of the Year and continued his impressive run by knocking out Mike Balogun in round two at the SSE Hydro in Glasgow on May 24, 2025. His rapid ascent through the heavyweight ranks has boxing insiders comparing him to the sport’s greatest prodigies.
Despite his limited experience against elite opposition, Itauma now holds #1 rankings with both the WBA and WBO, positioning him as a legitimate contender for world title opportunities in the near future.
The Training Camp Connection
An interesting subplot to this potential fight involves both boxers sharing the same trainer, Ben Davison. This connection adds another layer of complexity to negotiations, as both fighters work under the same coaching guidance. However, Hearn appears confident that professional relationships wouldn’t prevent the fight from happening if the circumstances were right.
The shared training environment could provide unique insights into both fighters’ capabilities, potentially making for an even more compelling matchup when they eventually meet in the ring.
Joshua’s Uncertain 2025 Schedule
Anthony Joshua’s immediate fighting plans remain unclear, with Eddie Hearn suggesting the former champion may not compete at all in 2025, instead targeting a return in early 2026. This timeline could align perfectly with Itauma’s continued development and potential title opportunities.
Joshua is yet to confirm his next contest, leaving fans wondering when the two-time unified champion will return to action. The extended break could benefit both fighters, giving Itauma more time to build his resume while allowing Joshua to fully prepare for what could be a career-defining fight.
Expert Opinions and Industry Reaction
British boxing legend Lennox Lewis believes Moses Itauma is not ready to challenge for world titles and should wait until Oleksandr Usyk retires before stepping up. This cautionary approach reflects the boxing establishment’s traditional view of gradual development.
However, others in the sport see Itauma’s natural ability and devastating power as ready-made for the highest level. Promoter Frank Warren believes Itauma “has everything in his arsenal to do some serious damage” against top-ranked opponents.
The contrasting opinions highlight the central question surrounding this potential fight: Is Moses Itauma ready for Anthony Joshua’s championship-level experience, or will youth and power overcome ring generalship?
Future Title Implications
Moses Itauma is on a fast track to the heavyweight division’s top tier, with promoter Frank Warren even suggesting a potential world title fight against Oleksandr Usyk could materialize in 2025. Such rapid progression could create the perfect storm for a Joshua-Itauma world title clash.
The heavyweight landscape continues to evolve rapidly, with multiple sanctioning bodies and promotional alignments creating various pathways to championship opportunities. Itauma’s impressive rankings position him favorably for mandatory challenger status, which could force the world title scenario Hearn demands.
What This Fight Means for British Boxing
A Joshua vs Itauma showdown would represent more than just a heavyweight title fight – it would symbolize the changing of the guard in British boxing. Joshua, who dominated the heavyweight scene for years, would face the fighter many see as his natural successor.
Both fighters share British-Nigerian heritage, adding cultural significance to what would already be a massive sporting event. The 15-year age gap between the fighters creates a compelling David vs. Goliath narrative, with the young lion challenging the established king.
The Path Forward
For this fight to materialize in 2026, several pieces must fall into place. Itauma needs to continue his winning streak against increasingly difficult opposition, while maintaining his world ranking positions. Joshua must decide on his comeback timeline and potentially pursue another world title opportunity.
Hearn’s insistence on world title stakes means both fighters will likely need to navigate the complex heavyweight title picture before their paths can cross in meaningful fashion.
The boxing world will be watching closely as these two British-Nigerian heavyweights continue their respective journeys toward an eventual collision course that could define the next era of heavyweight boxing.
