Moses It will hurt is hoping to take over the heavyweight division in the coming years, but in the eyes of heavyweight icon Lennox Lewisthere is one heavyweight that the youngster should avoid facing.

Now that Oleksandr Usyk has vacated his three world titles in the division, Itauma is extremely well poised to capitalise, having been called out by newly crowned WBA ruler Murat Gassiev, ordered for a IBF title shot, but also linked to a shot at new WBC champion Agit Kabayel.

As for the WBO marble, Itauma is currently sat as the mandatory challenger in the division, expected to be ordered for a fight against the victor of Daniel Dubois and Fabio Wardley’s pending rematch.

As a result, should Itauma come through his meeting with Filip Hrgovic unscathed next monthit seems as though a world title bid will be next.

Whilst Itauma is trying to prove himself as the best heavyweight on the planet, three-time world champion Lewis told iFL TV that he should steer clear of Usyk, despite the Ukrainian being 39 years old.

“Moses is a great, upcoming, young fighter. He has got a lot of grit, he throws some good punches. I think that there is a time where he is going to have to make that move but the time isn’t now, he has got a lot of time left, [he should] take his time.

“No rush[forUsyk[atallIfIwashimIwouldwaituntilOleksandrUsykisretiredandknowthat‘Iamrulingthisheavyweightscenerightnow’buttogoagainsthimrightnowisabittooearly”[forUsyk[atallIfIwashimIwouldwaituntilOleksandrUsykisretiredandknowthat‘Iamrulingthisheavyweightscenerightnow’buttogoagainsthimrightnowisabittooearly”

Itauma-Hrgovic takes place on Saturday, August 29with the 21-year-old Briton set to top the O2 Arena bill as he headlines in the U.K. capital for the first time.

“With this new deal, I can make any fight that I want in the sport of boxing,” Shakur told Ring Magazine. “There’s not no restrictions. It’s not no, ‘I can’t fight this guy.’ Boxing is not the same no more.”

The undefeated WBO light welterweight champion said critics are still viewing the sport through an outdated lens and believes Zuffa’s model will change that.

“The critics got to get past thinking in the old mindset. The new mindset is the best fighting the best, and I’m all for it. I think Zuffa is all for it too. So let’s do it,” said Shakur.

Stevenson expanded on that point later in the interview, saying recent changes in boxing have already made major fights easier to put together.

“The business of boxing is not in the way no more,” he said. “I think with Zuffa, with Turki backing Zuffa, it’s just so much in the sport of boxing that can get done. Any of these guys want to say they want to fight Shakur? Then sign it up. I’m ready.”

While Shakur declined to call out a specific opponent, he reiterated that he is willing to face whoever emerges as the best available option. He also described the proposed fight with Gervonta “Tank” Davis as “the biggest fight in the sport” before adding that he is prepared to fight any elite opponent if the opportunity reaches his table.

Shakur signed with Zuffa Boxing today as the promotion continues building its roster around a UFC-style model backed by Dana White and Turki Alalshikh. His signing immediately led to speculation over future fights against Gervonta, Devin Haney and other top names as the new promotion looks to establish itself in boxing.

“I’m very happy that Adrien is locking in now and is going to take better care of himself,” Ryan said on X. “As far as my response to him saying he could beat me, anyone can think anything.”

“I personally don’t give him a chance, but he has every right to feel that way. I’m currently focused on defending my title and fighting the best in the world currently. On top of that, I get paid extremely well, and I’m not looking for any exhibitions or meaningless fights at this point. But I hope the best for him.”

Broner’s original comments came during an appearance on Ray J’s Reality Check, where he confidently predicted he would defeat Ryan after six months of preparation. At the same time, Broner admitted he would not choose Ryan as his first opponent if he returns to the ring, acknowledging that he would need a tune-up before taking on a champion.

Ryan’s response leaves little doubt about where his priorities lie. After capturing the WBC welterweight title earlier this year, he has repeatedly said his goal is to face the division’s top contenders rather than take part in celebrity-style events or comeback fights against aging former champions.

While Broner’s name still carries recognition from his championship run across four weight classes, the 36-year-old has fought only sporadically in recent years. Ryan, meanwhile, appears focused on keeping his title active against elite opposition, making a meeting between the two increasingly unlikely.

Ryan’s comments make it clear that a fight with Broner is not part of his plans. Even so, Broner’s outspoken personality has long made him one of boxing’s most effective promoters of his own fights, and a matchup with Ryan would attract plenty of attention from fans. But with Ryan holding a world title and targeting the division’s top names, he sees little reason to risk time on a fight he considers to have little sporting significance.