You won’t find many boxing fans who doubt Moses Itauma is the heir to the heavyweight throne, but does he have it in his locker to take it from Oleksandr Usyk now? Former world cruiserweight champion, Tony Bellew, has weighed in.
Itauma is 13 wins into his professional campaign with 11 coming by stoppage. Possessing speed, power and angles, all from the southpaw stance, the 20 year old continues to impress with each outing.
Following a first round knockout win over former world title challenger Dillian Whyte in August, Itauma could not avoid questions about the ultimate step up to face current undisputed ruler Usyk.
Usyk, 18 years Itauma’s senior, has cleared out both the cruiserweight and heavyweight divisions in 24 fights. He represents a different challenge entirely, and while it is one some want to see play out inside the ropes, others have strongly warned against it.
Speaking to Sporting Talk, Bellew – who was stopped by the Ukrainian in his final professional fight back in 2018 – said that it was a bad move making the fight just now.
“I think that’s a dreadful fight for Moses Itauma. I just think to throw this kid in to the wolves at this stage, so early in his career, I just don’t get what for? He’s a young man. Let him develop. Let him learn his trade.”
Itauma’s team has struggled to match him following the statement victory over Whyte, which took him just two minutes, with many top heavyweights reportedly outright turning down the fight or asking for unrealistic purses.
In a further blow, an order to face WBA Regular champion Kubrat Pulev was recently scrapped when the sanctioning body allowed the Bulgarian to instead strike a deal with Murat Gassiev, a fight that will take place on December 13 in Dubai.