Their careers may never cross paths, but if they did, who would win between Anthony Joshua and Moses Itauma?
One is a former Olympic gold medallist, a two-time unified heavyweight champion with 13 world title fights to his name. The other has been a professional for less than three years, boxed 13 times, and has yet to challenge for a recognised title. Yet, Itauma is the man many fans and experts believe will one day rule the division.
Itauma returns on January 24 in Manchester against Jermaine Franklin — the American who went 12 rounds with Joshua three months after Itauma made his pro debut.
As for Joshua, it remains unclear whether his 14-month absence from the ring will end later this year or in early 2026.
Former world champion David Haye — who, like Itauma, once had the boxing world at his feet — knows what it’s like to carry that level of expectation. After dominating the cruiserweight division with his knockout power, Haye moved up to heavyweight and captured the WBA title, but never quite made the impact he’d hoped for.
During an interview with iFL TV, ‘The Hayemaker’ was asked if Itauma would beat Joshua now.
“Yeah [Itauma beats him], I think he beats everybody. The only person I’d say who has the best chance of it is Usyk.”
A fight between Joshua and Itauma remains unlikely, with Joshua instead recently linked to a shock clash against YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul, with ‘The Problem Child’ currently searching for a new opponent after his planned clash against Gervonta Davis was cancelled.
