Lennox Lewis has high praise for Moses Itauma, but believes it is too soon for the young gun to be put in with Oleksandr Usyk.
Itauma is a real breakout sensation of the banner division. He is still just 20 years old and though he will not make his dream of besting Mike Tyson’s record of being the youngest ever world champion, he is very much on track to pick up a title before too long.
Last time out, he beat Dillian Whyte inside two minutes to take his record to 13 and 0 with 11 knockouts and nine inside the first two rounds.
Despite many saying he is ready for undisputed king Usyk now, he will instead fight another solid contender before the year is out, though word is it is proving difficult to find an opponent willing to share the ring with him.
Usyk, meanwhile, may only have one or two fights left. The undefeated Ukrainian will soon be served with a mandatory in the winner of Joseph Parker vs Fabio Wardley.
Speaking to Metro, Lewis said that the New Zealander might be the only man out there right now with even a remote chance of beating the former undisputed cruiserweight champion.
“I think Joseph Parker has the best chance right now. I think they’ve been freezing Joseph Parker out. Joseph Parker needs that next fight, so get him in there. Joseph Parker has been waiting for his chance. I don’t know why he hasn’t had it yet. I think he should be the next fight.”
Usyk was granted an extension to his mandatory by the WBO for a back injury. In the meantime, Parker is fighting unbeaten British contender and WBA interim belt holder Wardley this month, with a shot at the very best in the world the prize.
