Johnny Nelson has been casting his mind over a potential showdown between Oleksandr Usyk and Moses Itauma.
No one has yet been anywhere near beating Usyk so far in his career. He is the former undisputed cruiserweight champion turned two-time undisputed heavyweight king who has beaten the likes of Tyson Fury, Anthony Joshua and Daniel Dubois, all twice, and is now looking to pick the last few opponents of his fine career.
Deontay Wilder is one he has mentioned, and while speaking to Daily Mail Boxing, former cruiserweight ruler Nelson suggested Itauma could give Usyk a run for his money.
“[Itauma’s] nowhere near the finished article. He’s only 21 years old, I think we’ve seen maybe 35% of him. I think Moses gives him hellfire, but I think Usyk is too clever for him. I think he’s too clever for all of them, but it’s a dangerous fight for him. I would expect Usyk to beat him but don’t write this boy off.”
So far, Itauma has done everything that has been asked of him in the ring. He has beaten all 13 men he has faced, and in impressive fashion. 11 of those victories have come by way of knockout and the majority have been short work and ended inside the first two rounds.
Even his toughest opponent yet, Dillian Whyte, was stopped inside two minutes when Itauma last fought in August. He was due to shape up with American Jermaine Franklin earlier in January, but an injury meant that the fight has been delayed until March.
