Tony Bellew weighs in on Moses Itauma vs Oleksandr Usyk: ‘It’s a dreadful fight for him’

November 09, 2025

Following his one-round knockout of Dillian Whyte, 37, in August, Itauma, 20 has become a fan-favorite to replace The Cat, 38, as the next undisputed heavyweight champion, but Bellew - who retired after being defeated by Usyk in his final professional bout in 2018 - doesn’t think it would be fair to pit the rising star against The Cat.

During an interview with Sporting Talk, The Bomber, 42, said: “I think that’s a dreadful fight for Moses Itauma. I just think to throw this kid in to the wolves at this stage, so early in his career, I just don’t get what for?

“He’s a young man. Let him develop. Let him learn his trade.”

After defeating Whyte in August, Itauma has been linked to several other heavyweights in his quest for a world title.

The Wrecking Ball had been offered an IBF final eliminator with 33-year-old Frank Sanchez - which could have led to a title clash with Usyk - but Itauma turned it down, allowing Daniel Dubois, 28, to step up up for the fight.

Then, Itauma was named as the next challenger for the WBA ‘regular’ heavyweight belt - which is currently held by Kubrat Pulev, 44 - but The Cobra skipped The Wrecking Ball in favor of Murat Gassiev, 32, who he will be fighting next month in Dubai.

Itauma’s promoter Frank Warren said: “We've got to see what happens with this Pulev situation because the WBA ordered that fight and he can't get out of it. We'll see where we go.

“They're talking about they want to go to Dubai for this Gassiev fight but the WBA has not sanctioned that fight, to my knowledge.

“How can you sanction a fight if you're putting another one out? So we are where we are.”

After Pulev chose to fight Gassiev instead of Itauma, The Cobra’s promoter Ivaylo Gotzev said The Wrecking Ball “must wait his turn” for a shot at Pulev.

He said in a statement: “The Pulev vs Gassiev fight is signed, sealed, and confirmed - so Itauma will have to wait his turn.

“We have an official WBA resolution authorising Kubrat Pulev's first title defence to be a voluntary, and in line with that, we've locked in a terrific opponent in Murat Gassiev.”