Very few heavyweights have pursued a showdown with Moses Itauma, and for good reason, yet one former world champion has revealed that he ‘really wanted’ to face the rising star.
Many have already anointed Itauma as heir to Oleksandr Usyk’s throne, while others are perhaps more hesitant to make such claims at this early stage.
Either way, there is no denying the 21-year-old’s talent and world-class potential as he approaches his career-toughest assignment, thus far, against Jermaine Franklin.
The pair will square off in a rescheduled 10-round contest on March 28, headlining a Queensberry Promotions card at Manchester’s Co-op Live Arena.
But while Franklin represents a solid opponent, it seems that Itauma’s handlers have largely struggled to match him with any credible heavyweights, often because they would sooner outprice themselves than take on the hard-hitting prodigy.
One man who refuses to be associated with such individuals, however, is Charles Martin, who lost his IBF title via a second-round finish against Anthony Joshua in 2016.
Since then, the American has suffered further defeats to Adam Kownacki, Luis Ortiz and Jared Anderson, while often giving a strong account of himself.
Now gearing up for his first outing since November 2024, the 39-year-old will headline a Zuffa Boxing show – promoted by UFC boss Dana White – against world-ranked contender Efe Ajagba this Sunday.
In an interview with Sky Sports, though, Martin has revealed that he was previously in talks to face Itauma.
“I really wanted to fight Moses. First we were going to do it in UK, then I heard they wanted to bring Moses to the US.
“For whatever reason, it didn’t happen, [but] I feel like I am in a great spot right now with Zuffa and Dana White.
“Once I beat Efe, I definitely think you will see me in the UK again.”
It seems that, having signed a multi-fight deal with Zuffa Boxing, Martin has perhaps unintentionally distanced himself from a clash with the Queensberry-promoted Itauma.