Joseph Parker shared the ring with Dillian Whyte and has now predicted his upcoming fight with Moses Itauma.
Parker and Whyte fought back in 2018 and Whyte took a unanimous decision on the cards after a gruelling twelve rounds in which both men were put down.
Whyte has fought just twice in the last three years after clearing his name following a failed drugs test, while Itauma is an active young heavyweight who Tyson Fury and Oleksandr have both tipped to be a future world champion.
Speaking to Jackpot City Casino, Parker explained why he believes Whyte took the fight in the first place, revealing that they were close to a rematch deal themselves.
“Whyte just took the fight with Moses because he got offered a big chunk of cash and the fight with us didn’t materialise because he chose the Moses fight instead. If he’s getting paid big money, then good on him, because he’s been in the game for a long time, and it’s a big, tough fight for him.”
He then got into how he thinks the fight will play out and why Itauma, who has stopped 11 of his 12 opponents so far, will win.
“A lot of people are calling Dillian a stepping stone, but a lot of people are calling it a tough challenge, you can’t write Dillian off but he’s been very inactive. Whereas Moses has been very active and knocking out guys. I know people are saying he hasn’t fought anyone with a name, but this is his opportunity now.
“I feel Moses [beats him on] on his athleticism and because he’s young and he’s on the rise. I feel like he’s going to show something different and something special.”
A win for 20 year old Itauma would be a huge step towards a world title, with the likes of top ranked WBO mandatory Parker a possible future opponent.
