Moses Itauma might be one of the most promising stars in world boxing, but he has been warned to steer clear of Oleksandr Usyk.
Itauma is just 21 years old but already has 14 wins under his belt, including 12 knockouts. His fast hands and considerable punching power have been more than enough to see off the likes of Dillian Whyte, whom he stopped inside a round.
Last time out he became the first man to halt Jermaine Franklin inside the distance after Franklin proved his toughness by going the full 12 rounds with both Anthony Joshua and Whyte.
This weekend he takes another big step up when he takes on the tough, highly ranked Filip Hrgovic in his first world title fight, when the pair battle it out for the IBF strap at London’s O2 Arena.
Speaking to The Stomping Ground, Usyk’s former promoter Alex Krassyuk was asked if he would like to see Itauma take on former two-time undisputed ruler Usyk as the Ukrainian great nears the end of his career.
“I wouldn’t. I tell you why. Usyk is too tough for Moses. Too tough.”
He was asked if it would be a simple night for Usyk were the two to meet.
“Not simple, but way easier than it would be in two or three years. I think Usyk is still capable of passing Moses Itauma, at this stage, but he’s not getting younger, and in one year it would be too late. But I don’t think It will happen. I am not sure Usyk will ever fight again. But I am sure Moses Itauma is here to take the future of boxing.”
Should Itauma win this weekend, he will become the youngest-ever British world heavyweight champion and the second-youngest man in history after Mike Tyson, who won his first belt aged 20.
