Dubois and Itauma may soon become the heavyweight rivalry that defines British boxing.
For a decade the UK scene has been ruled by Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury, and although they never met as reigning champs, a December clash in Cardiff finally pits them together.
That bout could serve as a swansong for both legends. While matching their fame seems tough, the two young Brits could mirror that rivalry at the division’s summit.
Unlike Fury and Joshua, they won’t have to wait until late in their careers. At 29, Dubois and just 21‑year‑old Itauma are still in heavyweight youth.
Both can compete in their primes, with enough room for two or even three title bouts if they earn it.
Dubois rides a wave of momentum; his losses to Oleksandr Usyk feel distant after he captured the WBO belt by outlasting Fabio Wardley and then defended it in a rematch. In my view, Dubois holds the edge.
Itauma is rebounding from his first professional defeat, a setback against Filip Hrgovic.
In the IBF title clash he outboxed Hrgovic early, but fatigue set in and the Croat stopped him in the ninth round.
Now the Brit faces a redemption quest, echoing Dubois’ 2020 stumble when he took a knee against Joe Joyce.
Dubois backs Itauma, believing the youngster can re‑enter the heavyweight picture.
“I hope so,” Dubois said. “You need dance partners.”
Promoter Frank Warren handles both fighters and thinks the loss will sharpen Itauma. “That’s what makes you a better fighter,” he added.
“He’s 21. He’ll have a comeback fight in January, and I’m sure he’ll rise. Then we’ll explore the options. He’ll want to be involved,” Warren explained.
“British boxing is in a fantastic spot,” Warren noted. “It didn’t happen overnight; we built it with hard work.”
Our goal is to unite these heavyweights under one banner and make the fights happen. Will the next clash between Dubois and Itauma finally deliver that blockbuster British showdown?