WBO heavyweight champion Daniel Dubois has expressed a strong desire to face Moses Itauma in a high-profile domestic showdown sooner rather than later, warning against allowing their potential rivalry to become bogged down by years of delay like the long-discussed fight between Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua. The 29-year-old world champion made his position clear following a triumphant title defense, opening the door to an intriguing future clash even as Itauma prepares to begin a careful rebuilding process early next year.
For Itauma, the road back to world-level contention requires patience after a daring attempt to make boxing history ended in heartbreak. In August, the 21-year-old rolled the dice against seasoned veteran Filip Hrgovic, seeking to eclipse Mike Tyson’s long-standing record and become the youngest world heavyweight champion in the history of the sport. The early stages of the bout suggested that history might indeed be rewritten, as Itauma seized control of the contest with speed and power.
During a thrilling start to the match, Itauma dominated the action and scored a dramatic second-round knockdown against Hrgovic. The young contender looked fully capable of pulling off the historic feat as he controlled the center of the ring and dictated the tempo. However, as the contest pushed past the early rounds into deep water, the immense physical and mental toll of competing at the absolute pinnacle of the division began to take its toll on the youthful challenger.
Itauma suffered from serious fatigue as the rounds wore on, enabling the battle-tested Hrgovic to turn the tide of the fight. Utilizing his experience and relentless pressure, Hrgovic weathered the early storm, took command of the later rounds, and eventually forced a referee stoppage, leaving Itauma defeated on his feet in the ninth round. The victory earned Hrgovic the vacant IBF heavyweight championship, while Itauma was left to process the first setback of his professional career.
In the aftermath of the defeat, promoter Frank Warren outlined a measured strategy designed to restore Itauma’s momentum without rushing him back into dangerous territory prematurely. According to Warren, the plan is for the 21-year-old to enter a comeback fight early next year, with January targeted for his return to the ring. Rather than throwing him immediately back into deep waters against world-class opposition, the promotional team intends to guide Itauma through a more manageable test.
The strategy recognizes that jumping straight back into world title contention could be counterproductive for a fighter who is still developing physically and tactically. Instead, Itauma is expected to return against a mid-tier opponent. This approach will allow him to work on the conditioning, pacing, and strategic adjustments needed for long, grueling fights before he begins stepping back up toward the elite level of the heavyweight division.
While Itauma prepares for his early-year comeback, Dubois sits comfortably at the top of the division, established as a formidable force and a two-time world champion. Dubois recently reaffirmed his standing with an emphatic performance last weekend, successfully retaining his WBO heavyweight world title by securing a swift second-round finish over contender Fabio Wardley. The decisive victory underscored Dubois’ power and solidified his reputation as one of the most dangerous champions in the sport.
Speaking with Sky Sports after his dominant victory, Dubois addressed the prospects of a future fight with Itauma and explained why he would prefer to share the ring with the young fighter in the near future rather than waiting for the fight to build over several years. Dubois explicitly referenced the protracted saga surrounding a potential fight between Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua—a domestic rivalry that remains highly appealing to fight fans, but one that many feel should have taken place several years ago while both men were in their absolute physical primes.
Determined not to let a similar situation unfold with Itauma, Dubois indicated that he is more than willing to defend his crown against his younger countryman once the right opportunity presents itself. Reflecting on Itauma’s recent loss to Hrgovic, Dubois offered an empathetic yet pragmatic assessment of what transpired in the ring, acknowledging that there was no disgrace in losing to a fighter of Hrgovic’s caliber and resolve.
Dubois noted that the August clash between Itauma and Hrgovic was a compelling contest, but ultimately served as a stark reminder of the harsh realities of heavyweight boxing. He pointed out that Hrgovic demonstrated the value of veteran grit, showing that there is always a fighter capable of relying on pure determination, mental fortitude, and personal motivation when the going gets tough in the championship rounds.
Highlighting the stark differences between a young prospect chasing glory and a seasoned professional fighting for his family’s livelihood, Dubois observed that Hrgovic brought a level of willpower that proved decisive. In his view, Hrgovic showed Itauma that at the very top level, success requires more than just talent and early momentum; it demands the strength of character to endure agonizing fatigue and outlast an opponent who has children to feed and everything to lose.
Despite acknowledging Itauma’s potential, Dubois made it clear that he harbors no reservations about stepping into the ring with him or any other top contender. The WBO champion expressed eager readiness to take on anyone willing to provide him with a genuine challenge, emphasizing his intent to face the toughest opposition available in the heavyweight division.
Dubois expressed complete confidence in his current capabilities, stating that he feels he has reached a stage in his career where he understands precisely how to break down any opponent placed in front of him. Having navigated his own triumphs and trials inside the squared circle, the 29-year-old champion declared that whoever steps into the ring with him next will face a brutal task, as he fully intends to break them down and physically dominate the contest.
If a match between Dubois and Itauma were to materialize in the future, Dubois would almost certainly enter the contest as a clear favorite. His status as a two-time world champion, combined with his extensive experience against elite heavyweights and his proven championship pedigree, gives him a significant edge over the younger contender at this point in their respective careers.
For Itauma, the focus remains entirely on the immediate task at hand: returning to the ring early next year, executing a successful comeback fight against a mid-tier opponent, and rebuilding the confidence and stamina that were tested against Hrgovic. If he can successfully navigate his planned return in January and demonstrate clear tactical improvements, the path to another world title opportunity could open up sooner than expected.
With Dubois actively calling for the fight to happen before time slips away, the prospect of a massive all-British heavyweight collision between the reigning WBO champion and the gifted challenger remains a tantalizing possibility for the division moving forward.
