Moses Itauma is a heavyweight boxer very much on the rise, though he is struggling to find opponents.
The young British-Slovenian star has quickly made a big impression with his punching power, speed and dominant performances in the ring. Though a narrative to become the youngest ever heavyweight world champion and beat the legendary Mike Tyson’s long-standing record didn’t happen, he is still regarded by most as the heir to the division’s throne.
So far, Itauma has fought 13 times and knocked out 11 of his opponents. Last time out, he stopped Dillian Whyte inside the first two minutes to once again add plenty of momentum to his career.
Since then he has been hard to match, with many contenders seeing him as too big a risk for too little reward. Promoter Frank Warren has revealed that more than one rival has priced himself out of talks.
Speaking to Seconds Out, former WBO champion Joseph Parker explained why he is willing to take on Itauma.
“We get this fight done with Fabio Wardley I’m open to fighting anyone and everyone. I don’t care who it is. He’s very talented Moses, very talented. Whoever has been put in front of him he’s taken care of business and looked very well doing so. I just want to be in this fighting game and fight anyone and everyone and do the best I can.”
Parker – whose recent run includes wins over Deontay Wilder, Zhilei Zhang and Martin Bakole – must first get through his next fight on October 25 with Fabio Wardley. A win there will either guarantee a showdown with current champion Oleksandr Usyk or, if the Ukrainian decides to vacate the belt, elevation to full champion.
