Moses Itauma Hasn’t Shown the Tools Needed to Challenge Usyk
After demolishing one-time title challenger Dillian “The Body Snatcher” Whyte in one round, boxing fans have gone overboard calling for Moses Itauma to fight undisputed champion Oleksandr Usyk. To be honest, Whyte is far removed from being the same man who defeated Joseph Parker, Oscar Rivas, and Lucas Browne.
Heavyweight contender Moses Itauma isn’t ready to face the undisputed champion. In fact, he should look to face guys like Filip “El Animal” Hrgovic or Jared “Big Baby” Anderson next. The hard-hitting top contender needs to face better quality of competition before looking in the direction of Usyk.
In addition, Itauma scoring a first-round stoppage makes it hard to tell exactly what he has in the toolbox. How does he deal with someone who can nullify his power? Can he make adjustments in real-time against a fighter with solid ring IQ? Finally, how would he deal with someone who has the footwork of Usyk? These are all legitimate questions that remain unanswered.
FIGHT A TOP CONTENDER FIRST
A fight with Hrgovic would answer some of those questions, as the Croatian can take a punch. In addition, he is coming off two solid wins against Joe Joyce and David Adeleye since losing to two-time champion Daniel Dubois in 2024.
Big Baby didn’t look good in his last outing against Mario Kollias, and he hasn’t been the same fighter since losing to Martin Bakole in 2024. But a fight against another young, hungry contender like Itauma would be the shot in the arm he needs.
There is no doubt that Itauma has a bright future in the division. But everyone needs to pump the brakes because he has a long way to go when talking about facing Usyk.
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