Imagine being a former heavyweight champion, watching a rising star like Moses Itauma dominate the ring, and knowing you could’ve been the one to test his mettle. That’s exactly where one ex-champ finds himself, openly regretting that a fight with Itauma never materialized. But here’s where it gets intriguing: while most heavyweights shy away from the 21-year-old phenom, this veteran not only wanted the challenge—he craved it.
Moses Itauma’s name is on everyone’s lips, and for good reason. Some are already crowning him the heir to Oleksandr Usyk’s throne, while others urge caution, arguing it’s too early to anoint him boxing’s next king. But one thing is undeniable: Itauma’s talent is as undeniable as his potential is limitless. His upcoming bout against Jermaine Franklin on March 28 at Manchester’s Co-op Live Arena—a rescheduled 10-round showdown—is his toughest test yet, and it’s a fight no boxing fan can afford to miss.
And this is the part most people miss: Itauma’s handlers have struggled to find him credible opponents. Why? Because many heavyweights would rather price themselves out of contention than step into the ring with a hard-hitting prodigy like him. It’s a bold statement, but it raises a question: Are fighters avoiding Itauma, or is the boxing world simply running out of willing challengers?
Enter Charles Martin, the former IBF champion who lost his title to Anthony Joshua in 2016. Despite subsequent defeats to the likes of Adam Kownacki, Luis Ortiz, and Jared Anderson, Martin has consistently shown he’s a force to be reckoned with. Now, at 39, he’s gearing up for his first fight since November 2024, headlining a Zuffa Boxing show promoted by UFC boss Dana White against world-ranked contender Efe Ajagba this Sunday.
In a recent interview with Sky Sports, Martin dropped a bombshell: he was in talks to face Itauma. ‘I really wanted to fight Moses,’ he admitted. ‘First, we were going to do it in the UK, then I heard they wanted to bring Moses to the US. For whatever reason, it didn’t happen.’ But here’s the kicker: Martin believes his multi-fight deal with Zuffa Boxing might have unintentionally closed the door on that matchup. ‘I feel like I’m in a great spot right now with Zuffa and Dana White,’ he said. ‘Once I beat Efe, I definitely think you’ll see me in the UK again.’
So, what does this mean for the future? Could we still see Martin vs. Itauma down the line, or has that ship sailed? And more importantly, is the boxing world ready for a fight that could redefine the heavyweight division? Let us know your thoughts in the comments—this is one debate that’s sure to spark fireworks.
