Moses Itauma has been urged to fight one of his fellow rising stars, with their battle potentially revealing a natural successor to Oleksandr Usyk.
While Usyk is still widely regarded as the bona fide heavyweight king, many would highlight Itauma as the obvious candidate to eventually seize his throne.
The 21-year-old is, after all, one of the most promising talents in world boxing, seemingly possessing the speed, power and footwork to become a long-reigning world champion.
Itauma’s most significant victory came against Jermaine Franklin in March, when he stopped the typically durable American in five rounds and cemented himself as the WBO’s leading contender.
While acknowledging his world-class potential, though, many have argued that the unbeaten knockout artist is yet to prove himself at the very top level.
And the same can be said for his transatlantic counterpart, Richard Torrez Jr, who also believes he has what it takes to reign supreme in years to come.
The 26-year-old’s most meaningful win saw him unanimously outpoint Guido Vianello in April 2025, representing his greatest achievement since claiming silver at Tokyo 2020.
Now, Torrez looks to remain unbeaten against Cuban veteran Frank Sanchez, but tells Pro Boxing Fans that he hopes to face Itauma before they both sail beyond their primes.
“I have a love for the sport and a love for competition – I want to know I’m the best.
“In order to know you’re the best, you have to fight the best, and I think Moses is one of the best up-and-comers.
“Fighting some of the older guys and trying to build your name is great… [but] being able to [fight someone in their] prime is also [great].
“We [Torrez and Itauma] have the opportunity to do so, so if everything goes to plan, and everyone’s willing, why not make that fight happen?”
The winner of Torrez-Sanchez, which features on the undercard of Usyk vs Rico Verhoeven at the Pyramids of Giza, Egypt, this Saturday, will be in line for a shot at Usyk’s IBF title.
