The heavyweight old guard of Oleksandr Usyk, Tyson Fury, Anthony Joshua and Deontay Wilder may be facing a contrasting 12 months, but boxing’s next generation is already positioning itself for the future, fronted by Moses Itauma.
With Fury announcing yet another comeback, Usyk poised to defend his heavyweight crown against Wilder, and continued speculation over whether Joshua may be nearing retirement, the next slate of contenders is preparing to step forward and seize control of the division.
Two of the most promising names are Agit Kabayel (26-0, 18 KOs) and Itauma (13-0, 11 KOs). Kabayel defends his WBC interim title this Saturday night in Germany against unbeaten Polish contender Damian Knyba. Two weeks later, WBA and WBO number one contender Itauma makes his 2026 debut against Jermaine Franklin in Manchester.
Both Kabayel and Itauma look strong candidates to lead the heavyweight division once their older contemporaries step aside — or are finally picked off by them.
Each is closing in on a world title opportunity of his own, potentially against unified champion Usyk or WBO titleholder Fabio Wardley. But could the pair eventually find themselves matched against one another?
That question was put to Kabayel by Max Kellerman when the German appeared on Inside the Ring. The 33-year-old was respectful of the Briton’s talent, yet made it clear he would welcome a future meeting with the 21-year-old.
“I respect him a lot. He’s young, he’s good, he’s fresh — I’m ready for everyone.”
And should the call come a couple of fights down the line, would Kabayel accept the challenge of Itauma?
“Yes, why not? I fight everyone.”
With both men edging closer to the summit, heavyweight boxing may soon be forced to decide whether it is ready to hand the division over — or watch its future fight for the right to take it.
