Two British Boxers Set Their Sights on Usyk: Who They Are and When a Fight Could Happen

Wardley and Itauma Eye a Shot at Usyk

According to Главком: Two British heavyweights, Fabio Wardley and Moses Itauma, have publicly expressed their desire to face Ukrainian champion Oleksandr Usyk in the ring. Wardley, the current WBO titleholder, is preparing to defend his belt against Daniel Dubois in a bout scheduled for May 9th in Manchester. Meanwhile, the 21-year-old Itauma has positioned himself as a contender following an impressive victory over Jermaine Franklin, whom he knocked out with a left uppercut in the fifth round. Itauma has also climbed to the top of the WBA and WBO rankings.

Heavyweight Ambitions

Fabio Wardley shared his thoughts on a potential future clash with Usyk, stating:

'If I could choose my next opponent after Dubois? Against Usyk – no question. I only want the best, 100%.' - Fabio Wardley

He explained his choice of Dubois for his next fight, noting: 'It was my voluntary choice. I had a list of names in front of me, and I said: Daniel Dubois – why not?'. Wardley emphasized his hopes for continued career success and expects Usyk to keep rising through the ranks.

Moses Itauma has also shown interest in a fight with Usyk, saying: 'I would like a fight against Hrgovic... I'd also like Usyk. I wouldn't turn that fight down'. Both boxers have demonstrated clear ambitions to compete with the elite in their division, highlighting their progress in professional boxing.

At the same time, Wardley stressed the importance of maintaining perspective regarding planned fights. He emphasized: 'He's number one in the WBA as well. I expect him to keep climbing the rankings. But for now, everyone should just calm down about our fight'. This shows respect for Usyk and an understanding of the complexities of the boxing business.

Currently, Oleksandr Usyk is preparing for his own fight against Ryko Verhoeven, set for May 23rd in Giza, Egypt. This match represents a significant step for the Ukrainian boxer, who continues to hold a high position in the world rankings. Usyk's status as a unified champion makes him a prime target for ambitious contenders.

The wider boxing world is also shaping up for other significant events:

• Tyson Fury plans a ring return against Arslanbek Mahmudov in April 2026.
• Dereck Chisora will fight his 50th bout against Deontay Wilder in June 2026.

These events reflect the dynamic nature of professional boxing, where new challenges and rivalries are constantly emerging.

The expressed desires of Wardley and Itauma to face Usyk underscore the growing intrigue in the heavyweight division, where competition is increasingly fierce. The success of young fighters like Itauma may signal a new wave of talent aiming for the sport's pinnacle. Meanwhile, Usyk maintains his status as one of the world's best boxers, and his upcoming fights could significantly shape new rivalries in the division.

As both Wardley and Itauma aim for a shot at Usyk, it raises questions about the champion's own plans and potential future matchups. For those interested in Usyk's career trajectory, including his anticipated fight with Deontay Wilder, details can be found in our article on Usyk's career roadmap.