Boxing Legend Warns on Moses Itauma’s Rise: ‘He’s a Victim of His Own Success’
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At just 20 years old, Moses Itauma is blitzing his way through the heavyweight division, gaining serious attention – and pressure.
Sporting a flawless 13-0 record, Itauma most recently added another highlight reel to his growing collection after stopping veteran boxer Dillian Whyte in the very first round. A statement win that has sent shockwaves through the heavyweight division, fueling more hype around the young Brit’s name.
In the ring, Itauma seems wise beyond his years, with composure, fight IQ, and calculated power that has fans and pundits tipping him to become a world champion one day.
But one former world champion has seen this story before. The one of a young fighter pushed too quickly and pushed too hard. With that, concerns over Itauma’s early dominance have been raised.
Tony Bellew Warns Moses Itauma
Former WBC cruiserweight champion Tony Bellew has, like many, been stunned by young Itauma’s performances. However, Bellew has questioned ‘the rush’ on Itauma’s early rise.
In an interview with SportingTalk, Bellew said, “I just feel, what’s the rush? Because believe you me, once he gets to the level, there’s no going back.
“All fighters tire at some point, you have ups and downs, twos and pros, and Moses is going to have to experience that to understand it. At this moment in time, it’s all his way; if anything he’s a victim of his own success.”
| Moses Itauma | Stats |
| Fights | 13 |
| Rounds | 26 |
| KO Percentage | 84.62% |
Moses Itauma Boxing Stats According To BoxRec
Bellew also weighed up whether Itauma would be able to one day break the records that a once young Anthony Joshua set. Online, fans have already started suggesting a dream British bout between AJ and Itauma, which would certainly add to the list of must-see boxing fights.
With no smoke from either AJ or Itauma currently, that fight could be one for the future. But, what is next for Itauma?
What Should Itauma’s Next Move Be?
After his first round beat-down of Whyte, Itauma tried his luck at a title shot in a post-fight interview with Sky Sports. He said, “Parker (Joseph), Kabayel (Agit) deserve the shot, but I would love the opportunity – chuck me in!” This is likely where Bellew’s concerns began to surface.
Though within his right to throw his name in the mix as the next challenger for Oleksandr Usyk, it sounds like even Moses knows he has some work to do before a title shot.
Which is why the next step for Itauma should be a fight against Filip Hrgovic. Francis Warren, Itauma’s manager, has already welcomed Hrgovic as the next opponent for his client.
Hrgovic showed impressive durability in his most recent win, an attribute that could prove a worthy test for Itauma. Hrgovic currently holds the #6 heavyweight ranking from Ring Magazine, and if Itauma defeats the experienced Croatian, he positions himself well for a title shot.
Itauma plans to fight one more time this year, with his next bout likely happening in December.
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