Hearn outlines future opponents with Itauma emerging as a measuring stick at heavyweight
Moses Itauma has started to function as a measuring stick for the next wave of heavyweights, and Eddie Hearn is already pointing two fighters in his stable toward that line. Teremoana Teremoana and Leo Atang sit on developmental tracks that could intersect with the unbeaten contender if their progress holds.
Itauma’s recent showing grabbed attention across fight circles. He took out Dillian Whyte inside a round last August, a result that moved quickly through the heavyweight ranks and had promoters reworking their timelines.
Promoters can talk in long-term plans, though matchmaking always gets serious once a young heavyweight shows he can close the show.
“Itauma is an exceptional talent. He’s a one-off talent; that’s the best word. A one-off,” Hearn told talkSPORT.
The next assignment comes against Jermaine Franklin in Manchester, a durable opponent who has gone rounds with Anthony Joshua and Whyte without being stopped. Franklin stands his ground, gets his feet back under him, and forces opponents to punch their way in. That kind of look makes a fighter think about shot selection and stay patient once the rounds start wearing on.
Victory would move Itauma closer to the title picture in 2026. “I’ve got to find some heavyweights that can rock with him over the next three or four years, and I’ve got two that I think will really rock with him,” Hearn said. “One will rock with him in 6 to 12 months, and that’s Teremoana, and the other one is Leo Atang.”
Teremoana is viewed inside camp talk as closer to the contender tier, a big heavyweight who looks to lean on opponents and see how Itauma handles size pressing forward. Atang is still learning on the job, though the physical tools are the type promoters tend to move with care.
“If Leo is going to go and fight for the world heavyweight championship, he’s gonna be against Moses,” Hearn said. “I can give you the hype, but the reality is, anything can happen. You really need a lot of luck along the way.”
That final note lands close to the truth.At heavyweight, timing, durability, and sanctioning order often carry as much sway as raw ability.
For now, Itauma’s task against Franklin is straightforward. Start with the jab, control range, and keep finishing instincts sharp when openings appear. Prospects become contenders once they show they can handle expectation along with opposition. If Itauma takes care of him with authority, the conversation shifts from potential opponents to championship distance.