Antonio Tarver has called for Turki Alalshikh to match heavyweight prospect Moses Itauma with a fellow prospect holding an identical record.
After drinking in the Itauma atmosphere and being close enough to smell the blood on Saturday night, Tarver wants the young Briton to battle American Olympian Richard Torrez Jr.
The former light-heavyweight champion believes Torrez, who likes Itauma holds a 13-0 ledger with 11 knockouts, would be the ideal barometer to see if the world-rated puncher is the real deal.
Tarver wants Itauma vs Torrez
“I think a fighter like Richard Torrez Jr. would be an excellent challenge for Moses Itauma to see if he’s truly ready for the rest. After he’s proven he can beat a young, hungry challenger just like himself!
“We know Torrez Jr. is going to punch back and might even land some power shots! Great win over an old lion. He did exactly what he was supposed to do,” said Tarver.
Itauma, 20, demolished former world title challenger Dillian Whyte in 119 seconds to underline his status as the planet’s brightest heavyweight hope.
Torrez, meanwhile, has built his career Stateside after winning silver at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics. Many tipped the Californian southpaw as the best of the bunch of up-and-coming Americans.
Both men stand on the cusp of world level, and with Tarver pushing for the fight, fans are already wondering if the Rocky Balboa star might be onto something.
On the cusp of glory
As it stands, Itauma remains WBO number one and soon-to-be mandatory for a world heavyweight championship, if Usyk vacates the WBO strap.
However, his team may opt for a final proving ground before a title shot, and Tarver believes Torrez is the man for the job.
Despite blowing away Whyte, the consensus remains that Itauma still needs rounds before taking the plunge against the pound-for-pound king of boxing.
About the Author
Phil Jay is a veteran boxing journalist with over 15 years of experience covering the global fight scene. As Editor-in-Chief of World Boxing News since 2010, Jay has interviewed dozens of world champions and reported ringside on boxing’s biggest nights. [View all articles by Phil Jay] and learn more about his work in combat sports journalism.