Not long after learning who his first opponent of 2026 will be, Moses Itauma already knows the next name on his radar.
On January 24, the British heavyweight sensation faces Jermaine Franklin Jr in the main event of Queensberry’s Magnificent Seven card at Manchester’s Co-op Live Arena.
Earlier today (Nov 12), veteran boxing journalist Dan Rafael revealed that if Itauma comes through Franklin successfully, his next fight could be against the winner of Kubrat Pulev vs Murat Gassiev.
Pulev defends his WBA “Regular” heavyweight title for the second time when he meets former unified cruiserweight champion Gassiev on December 12. Mandatory challenger Itauma, 13-0 (11 KOs), will face the winner or Pulev, 32-3 (14 KOs), if the bout ends in a draw.
Both camps will have until February 9, 16 days after Itauma’s bout with Franklin, to reach an agreement. If not, the fight will go to a purse bid with a 50-50 split.
After a quiet 2025 with just two outings, more activity will be music to the 20-year-old’s ears. Itauma has already been linked with a future fight against undisputed heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk.
This year, he dispatched Mike Balogun and then long-time contender and former world title challenger Dillian Whyte in August.
If, as expected, Itauma beats Franklin, it’s hard to imagine the Brit travelling to Bulgaria or Russia to face Pulev or Gassiev, 32-2 (25 KOs). Should his promoter Frank Warren bring the title fight to the UK, it would mark a third visit for Pulev, who lost on both previous occasions, to Anthony Joshua and Derek Chisora. Gassiev, meanwhile, has yet to box professionally on British soil.
BREAKING: WBA grants Pulev permit for heavy “regular” defense vs. Gassiev Dec. 12 w/ conditions: Itauma still mandatory & 'shall fight’ winner or Pulev if draw; Itauma to face Franklin Jan. 24; Pulev-Gassiev winner/Itauma have til Feb. 9 to make deal or purse bid with 50-50 split
— Dan Rafael (@DanRafael1) November 12, 2025
