Joshua got his first opportunity to fight for a world title in his 16th professional fight when he took on and beat Charles Martin to win the IBF belt at the O2 Arena in London, England on April 9, 2016. Now that Moses Itauma has had his 14th professional fight, the rationale seems to be that he is capable of having a similar world career title and fight this year.
However, Moses Itauma has still not been tested at Heavyweight. He didn’t go the distance, and he had no trouble in any of his professional fights at this weight. Itauma’s fight with Franklin was intended to test the British fighter’s resilience and durability, the argument being that the American was no slouch, Franklin having gone the distance with Dillian Whyte and former World Champion Anthony Joshua in previous fights. However, this did not happen – on the contrary!
Itauma has expressed an interest in fighting Filip Hrgović, presumably again in the UK. However, there is an argument to suggest that Moses Itauma should look further afield for the location of his next fight.
Itauma said at his press conference after the fight yesterday that he “strives for greatness”. If he is serious about this, Itauma must be willing to do whatever it takes to achieve this goal. He can take a risk and fight someone with a genuine fighting pedigree who is still in his prime.
Alternatively, Itauma can go to enemy territory and accept a fight against a fighter in that other fighter’s home country. Of course, it would be preferable if Itauma could do both of these things at the same time.
Tyson Fury did just that when he fought and beat Wladimir Klitschko in his adopted country of Germany on November 28, 2015 to win the WBA (Super), IBF, WBO, IBO, and The Ring World Heavyweight Boxing titles. Fury then surpassed this feat by beating American Deontay Wilder in Las Vegas, United States on 22 February 2020 and 09 October 2021 to win the WBC and The Ring World Heavyweight titles.
So Itauma could urge his management team to suggest that his next fight take place in the United States for maximum exposure against a credible opponent. If he is truly serious about his desire to achieve greatness, he could next face Andy Ruiz Jr. in the US. This would guarantee Itauma the ultimate respect, as Ruiz Jr. was a former World Heavyweight Champion.
If a fight against Ruiz Jr. is not to the Brit’s liking, Itauma could next fight Jarrell Miller in the USA. Any fight would get Itauma the respect he seeks.
One good thing about Moses Itauma is that he is grounded, knowing that there is, in his words, “a pecking order” when it comes to challenging for a world heavyweight title. He is willing to play the waiting game. However, he must be ready to get out of his comfort zone in his next fight, and really test himself.
British boxing fans are keen to consider Itauma a boxing sensation. They are understandably keen to see him do well. Moses Itauma must prove that he is worthy of this praise.
Roman Cherubim
Freelance journalist
UK
