Who Will Moses Itauma Face Next? Betting Markets Speak: Joseph Parker or Oleksandr Usyk
Moses Itauma delivered on his massive hype by demolishing veteran Dillian Whyte in just one minute and 59 seconds in Riyadh on August 16, 2025. The stunning first-round knockout victory over a former world title challenger has thrust the 20-year-old heavyweight into immediate world title discussions and opened several lucrative options for his next appearance.
Who Will Moses Itauma Face Next?
Current betting markets reveal the most likely candidates for Itauma’s next fight. Joseph Parker leads the field at 6-4 odds, followed by Filip Hrgovic at 3-1, with unified champion Oleksandr Usyk at 4-1. Daniel Dubois and Agit Kabayel both sit at 6-1 in the betting. More odds available with Footy Guru.
Parker represents the most logical next step, holding WBO interim status and positioning himself as the mandatory challenger. The New Zealand veteran carries significant experience against elite competition, having faced Anthony Joshua, Tyson Fury, and Deontay Wilder during his career. Betting odds for a potential Parker-Itauma clash favor the established fighter at -500, while Itauma would enter as the underdog.
Promoter Frank Warren has specifically mentioned three names as realistic targets for the next 12 months: Otto Wallin, Filip Hrgovic, and Zhilei Zhang. These represent calculated steps up in competition without rushing Itauma toward undisputed champion Oleksandr Usyk too quickly.
Usyk Fight Generates Significant Betting Interest
Despite his youth and limited professional experience, bookmakers have already posted odds on a potential Usyk-Itauma matchup. The Ukrainian champion would enter as a 3-10 favorite, with Itauma receiving 5-2 odds. His Excellency Turki Alalshikh has publicly called for this bout following Itauma’s victory over Whyte.
Former heavyweight champion Tyson Fury believes Itauma could “wreck all of them old men out of the division,” including Usyk, citing boxing as a “young man’s game. However, many experts suggest additional seasoning would benefit Itauma before facing the pound-for-pound king.
Alternative Opponents Present Strategic Value
Richard Torrez Jr, an undefeated American southpaw, has expressed interest in crossing the Atlantic for a matchup with Itauma. Both fighters hold perfect professional records, with Torrez carrying an 85% knockout percentage compared to Itauma’s current rate. No current betting lines exist for this potential bout.
Martin Bakole, currently ranked fifth by both the WBA and WBC, represents another option that could test Itauma’s credentials. The Congolese fighter’s trainer has previously questioned Itauma’s chin, adding intrigue to a potential matchup.
Filip Hrgovic emerged victorious against David Adeleye on the same Riyadh card where Itauma defeated Whyte, maintaining his position as a legitimate heavyweight contender. Croatian Hrgovic carries experience against world-class opposition and would provide a stern examination of Itauma’s developing skills.
While Itauma’s team will likely choose carefully among these options, the betting markets suggest Parker currently holds the inside track for what would represent another significant step toward championship gold for Britain’s newest boxing sensation.
