UK Boxing
“Moses gives him hellfire” – Johnny Nelson on Oleksandr Usyk vs. Itauma
Former cruiserweight world champion Johnny Nelson has explained how he views a potential clash between Moses Itauma and Oleksandr Usyk.
Just 21, Itauma has already been mentioned in a conversation with Usyk, but Nelson believes the Ukrainian would be a step too far.
Since turning professional in 2021, Itauma has been a revelation in the heavyweight division.
He has already had some impressive wins on the biggest stage, including a first-round knockout of Dempsey McKean in the Oleksandr Usyk vs Tyson Fury match.
Nelson talked to Daily mail box about perspective.
“[Itauma’s] nowhere near the finished article. He’s only 21, I think we’ve seen maybe 35% of him.”
Itauma has amassed an impressive 13-0 record, with 11 of those victories coming after the break.
He last saw action in August, when he stopped Dillian Whyte in the first round, which on paper was his biggest test.
“The Bodysnatcher” has competed at the highest level throughout his career.
He fought against heavyweight stars such as Anthony Joshua, Tyson Fury and Joseph Parker, but was no match for the man from Kent.
After Itauma’s victory in August, General Entertainment Authority president Turki Alalshikh posted on social media that he wanted to see him face Usyk next.
I want to see Usyk against Itauma. This is a fight.
— TURKI ALALSHIKH (@Turki_alalshikh) July 19, 2025
Itauma is currently the main WBA challenger to Usyk’s world title.
Nelson also shared his thoughts on the potential fight, insisting it won’t be a one-sided fight.
“I think Moses sent him hellfire, but I don’t think so Usyk is too smart for him.
“I think he’s too intelligent for all of them, but it’s a risky fight for him.
“I would expect Usyk to beat him, but don’t write this boy off.”
“The Cat” will return later this year, and Deontay Wilder seems the most likely opponent for his return.
Itauma was scheduled to return this week and headline the Coop Live Arena, but a torn bicep during camp meant his return was postponed.
He was scheduled to face American heavyweight Jermaine Franklin.
Franklin is coming off a lackluster win over Ivan Dychko after a penniless card in the Canelo Alvarez vs. Terence Crawford match in September.
The event has been rescheduled for March 28, when Itauma will hope to claim victory after seven months away from the ring.
In 2025, the 21-year-old boxed just over five minutes total in his two wins over Mike Balogun and Dillian Whyte.
The post “Moses Gives Him Hellfire” – Johnny Nelson on the Oleksandr Usyk vs Itauma fight appeared first on ProBoxing-Fans.com.
UK Boxing
Re: Official Negotiating Order – Mandatory WBO Welterweight Championship – DevinHaney (champion) vs. Keyshawn Davis (#1 challenger)
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June 30, 2026
Re: Official Negotiation Order – Mandatory WBO Welterweight Championship Contest – Devin
Haney (champion) vs. Keyshawn Davis (#1 challenger)
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UPCOMING FIGHTS
JR. WEIGHT Championship
Bermudas
VS
Osorio
Osorio Won R
JR. AVERAGE WEIGHT Championship
Zayas
VS
Ennis
Ennis won R7
WEIGHT Championship
with Olascua
VS
Dominguez
R won
JR. BANTAM WEIGHT Championship
BANTAM WEIGHT Championship
Johnson
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Thorslund
R won
JR. INTERMEDIATE WEIGHT Championship
AVERAGE WEIGHT Championship
Robinson
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Thibeault
R won
JR. AVERAGE WEIGHT Championship
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The official record holder
Jaron Ennis is the bookmakers’ main favorite to defeat Xander Zayas in their highly anticipated world title clash on Saturday in Brooklyn.
Ennis challenges Zayas for the WBO and WBA super welterweight belts at the Barclays Center live on DAZN pay-per-view.
The undefeated resident of Philadelphia enters the game as the favorite on February 11 Bet365 give the 23-year-old his first professional defeat and become world champion in two weight categories.
“Boots” has stopped 31 of his 35 opponents, including Uisma Lima in his 154-pound debut in October, and is expected to stop the Puerto Rican on 20/21.
The 28-year-old last covered this distance in 2024, and a decision victory is valued at 13/2.
Even though Zayas has taken over as unified champion, he is an underdog Bet365 at 15/04.
Man from San Juan defeated Abass Baraou by split decision will add the WBA belt to his WBO crown in January and his best chance of victory is rated at 13/2 by decision, while success in the shock break is rated at 14/1.
Full Bet365 odds
The result of the fight
- Xander Zayas will win the fight: 15/4
- Xander Zayas by KO/TKO/DQ: 14/1
- Xander Zayas by decision or technical decision: 13/2
- Jaron Ennis will win the fight: 11/02
- Jaron Ennis by KO/TKO/DQ: 20/21
- Jaron Ennis by decision or technical: 8/5
- Draw or technical draw: 14/1
Round bets
Xander Zayas
- Win in round 1: 100/1
- Win in round 2: 100/1
- Win in round 3: 100/1
- Win in round 4: 100/1
- Win in round 5: 100/1
- To win in round 6: 100/1
- To win in round 7: 80/1
- To win in round 8: 80/1
- To win round 9: 66/1
- To win in round 10: 66/1
- To win round 11: 66/1
- To win in round 12: 80/1
- To win by decision or technical decision: 6/1
Jaron Ennis
- To win round 1: 80/1
- Win in round 2: 50/1
- Win in round 3: 40/1
- To win in round 4: 28/1
- To win in round 5: 20/1
- To win in round 6: 16/1
- Win in round 7: 12/12
- To win in round 8: 1/11
- To win in round 9: 10/1
- To win in round 10: 10/1
- To win in round 11: 10/1
- To win in round 12: 1/11
- Win by Decision or Technical Decision: 7/4
The post Xander Zayas vs Jaron Ennis – Odds and Betting Guide appeared first on ProBoxing-Fans.com.
On Wednesday, Lewis Crocker heads to Australia to defend his IBF welterweight world title against Liam Paro for the first time.
Crocker will face Paro at the Pat Rafter Arena in Queensland, live on DAZN in the UK and Kayo Sports in Australia.
Crocker (22-0, 11 KO) became world champion in September, defeating Paddy Donovan twice before winning the rematch by split decision.
Man from Belfast recorded his second victory over Donovan after the first victory in March last year, and his rival was disqualified for hitting him after the bell.
Paro (27-1, 16 KO) is trying to become a world champion in two weight categories, having previously reigned in the super-lightweight division.
The 30-year-old won the title with a unanimous decision victory over Subriel Matias in Puerto Rico before winning the belt in his first defense against Richardson Hitchins.
The Australian has since won twice, overtaking David Papot in his last appearance in September.
McKean meets Taliva
Heavyweight Demsey McKean will look to continue his rebuild when he faces Liam Talivaa for the vacant IBF Pan Pacific title.
McKean (24-2, 16 KO) had his career cut miniature after a last-round loss to Filip Hrgovic, followed by a brutal first-round loss to Moses Itauma.
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The 35-year-old southpaw returned to winning ways with back-to-back stoppage victories.
Talivaa (8-2, 4 KO) last won the IBF Oceania-Orient title, defeating Faiga Opelu by first-round stoppage.
Undercard remaining
At cruiserweight, Luke Modini (13-0, 11 KO) will likely need distance to beat Peng Qu (17-2-1, 12 KO), while Riley Candy (8-1, 5 KO) could stop Nathan Watson (11-3, 3 KO) at super middleweight.
Vegas Larfield (13-1, 9 KO) can hand Shamal Ram Anuj (11-8, 8 KO) his fourth defeat in a row in a featherweight clash.
Heavyweight Nelson Asofa-Solomon (2-0, 2 KO) can secure a third straight knockout over debutant George Burgess, and Stevan Ivic (8-0-1, 2 KO) can do the same against Caleb Tialu (3-7, 3 KO), also a heavyweight.
Prospective super welterweight fighter Jack Javed (1-0) should overtake Lance McDonald (1-5-1, 1 KO).
The post Lewis Crocker vs. Liam Paro – Gigantic Fight Preview and Predictions appeared first on ProBoxing-Fans.com.
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