![\"Moses](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/1783619832_316_moses-itauma-reacts-press-conference-1090404626.jpg\")
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Itauma isn’t phased by Usyk’s decision, and insists his focus will be fighting his generation’s greatsCredit: Getty<\/p>\n
Usyk decided to vacate his unified WBA, WBC and IBF heavyweight belts to focus on a planned final fight with Deontay Wilder<\/a>.<\/p>\n Talks to face the veteran American are already underway with Dana White’s Zuffa Boxing<\/a>, despite the ‘Bronze Bomber’ being well beyond the peak of his powers.<\/p>\n ‘The Cat’ sees Wilder as the most commercially viable option on the table, and a significant opportunity to break into the US market.<\/p>\n Itauma isn’t sure who would want to see Usyk vs Wilder at this stage but respects his decision.<\/p>\n Read More In Boxing<\/p>\n He explained to iFL TV<\/a>: “He doesn\u2019t need to do that [fight Wilder]. Who the hell would want to watch that? <\/p>\n “Fair enough he\u2019s achieved more than I have, so I can\u2019t say anything. He wants the paper.<\/p>\n \u201cYou\u2019ve got to remember, when Usyk was a cruiserweight and even the early stages of the heavyweight fights, he wasn\u2019t making as much money as he\u2019s raking it in his last couple years.<\/p>\n \u201cI’m not pocket-watching or anything, but the last two to three years of his career he\u2019s probably earned such a huge amount that he\u2019s probably not ready to leave the game. I don\u2019t blame him.<\/p>\n \u201cTo be fair, he\u2019s earned his stripes. He was [undisputed] cruiserweight and heavyweight champion. <\/p>\n “At the same time, it made it difficult for all of us. But now that they\u2019re all separated, we can start collecting some.”<\/p>\n 2<\/p>\n Usyk instead has his eyes transfixed on a lucrative clash with Wilder<\/p>\n \u201cHe\u2019s not really my generation, so I\u2019m not too bothered. Having fought [some] people in the generation before me, that\u2019s a blessing.\u201d<\/p>\n Usyk had always said he wasn’t going to entertain a clash against Itauma.<\/p>\n But had the pair got to title status, it may have been an option, but after snubbing a clash with Agit Kabayel, it is now off the cards.<\/p>\n Itauma’s priority – a world title challenge<\/p>\n Next for the Chatham southpaw, a road to a title without Usyk lies ahead.<\/p>\n He will first take on Filip Hrgovic on August 29<\/a> in his biggest step-up as a pro.<\/p>\n Watch Boxing on DAZN<\/p>\n *If you click a link in this boxout, we will earn affiliate revenue<\/p>\n Sign up to DAZN<\/a> to access the definitive subscription for boxing fans.<\/p>\n Upgrade to DAZN Ultimate<\/a> from just \u00a324.99\/month, guaranteeing access to 185+ fights annually, a minimum of 12 pay-per-views at no extra cost, as well as every Lega Serie A match and other elite football access.<\/p>\n Alternatively, DAZN Standard<\/a> is just \u00a315.99\/month, with the caveat you will have to pay for pay-per-view events.<\/p>\n Click here to sign up<\/a>.<\/p>\n Victory will cement his status as a leading contender with three governing bodies, and he is guaranteed a title shot.<\/p>\n![\"Deontay](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/ah-TALKSPORT-OFF-PLATFORM-usyk-wilder-fight-plan.jpg\")
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