Imagine being a former heavyweight champion, watching a rising star like Moses Itauma dominate the ring, and knowing you could’ve been the one to test his mettle. That’s exactly where one ex-champ finds himself, openly regretting that a fight with Itauma never materialized. But here’s where it gets intriguing: while most heavyweights shy away from the 21-year-old phenom, this veteran not only wanted the challenge—he actively pursued it. So, who is this bold contender, and why did the fight slip through the cracks? Let’s dive in.
Moses Itauma’s name has become synonymous with potential. Some already crown him the heir to Oleksandr Usyk’s throne, while others caution against premature praise. But one thing is undeniable: his talent is world-class, and his upcoming bout against Jermaine Franklin on March 28 at Manchester’s Co-op Live Arena will be his toughest test yet. This rescheduled 10-round contest, promoted by Queensberry, is more than just a fight—it’s a statement. Yet, Franklin isn’t the opponent Itauma’s team initially had in mind. And this is the part most people miss: finding credible heavyweights willing to face Itauma has been a struggle, not because of his skill, but because of his price tag—or rather, the fear of it.
Enter Charles Martin, the former IBF heavyweight champion who lost his title to Anthony Joshua in 2016. Despite subsequent defeats to the likes of Adam Kownacki, Luis Ortiz, and Jared Anderson, Martin has consistently proven his resilience. Now 39, he’s gearing up for his first fight since November 2024, headlining a Zuffa Boxing show promoted by UFC’s Dana White against world-ranked contender Efe Ajagba. But here’s the twist: Martin wasn’t always on this path. In a recent Sky Sports interview, he revealed he was in talks to face Itauma—a fight he ‘really wanted.’
‘I really wanted to fight Moses,’ Martin shared. ‘First, we were going to do it in the UK, then I heard they wanted to bring Moses to the US. For whatever reason, it didn’t happen, but I feel like I’m in a great spot right now with Zuffa and Dana White. Once I beat Efe, I definitely think you’ll see me in the UK again.’ Bold words from a fighter who’s seen the highs and lows of the sport, but is this just wishful thinking, or could a Martin-Itauma showdown still be on the horizon?
The catch? Martin’s multi-fight deal with Zuffa Boxing might have inadvertently distanced him from a Queensberry-promoted Itauma. But here’s the controversial question: Is the boxing world missing out on a generational clash, or is Martin’s pursuit of Itauma more about legacy-building than realistic competition? Let us know what you think in the comments—is Martin the underdog Itauma needs, or is this a fight best left to imagination?
