Itauma looks like a warrior straight out of a video game. His youth is impressive, but that’s only part of the story. He possesses speed, accuracy, movement and footwork rarely seen in the heavyweight division.
Add in devastating power in both hands, and you have a young contender who presents a very difficult challenge for a fighter like Usyk, who, despite his age, still carries an elite technical, mental and competitive arsenal.
Personally, I always approach the heavyweight division with a high degree of caution. In this weight class, a single punch can define an entire fight. History has shown us that challengers with little chance on paper sometimes changed everything with one perfectly timed shot.
There is also the possibility that this fight could be less explosive than many expect. Both men are highly skilled defensively, and it can sometimes turn what promises to be fireworks into a tactical chess match that doesn’t fully satisfy the crowd.
Of course I appreciate every aspect of a warrior’s craft. But when I see a strong preference for the art of striking without being struck, I sometimes want to find out who can enforce his power in a direct exchange. Then again, when so much is invested in a single match, expectations often become greater than reality, and the history of mega-fights frequently reminds us of that.
There is another old boxing saying that claims styles make fights. I deeply respect that idea, but over the years I’ve come to rely more on another principle: the fighter who enforces his style usually fights his fight.
This is the lens through which I try to analyze many matchups. I look at what each fighter does best, where he feels most comfortable, what pace he needs to perform at his highest level, and most importantly, who has the better chance of forcing the other man to compete on his terms. From there I start building my predictions.
Usyk is a phenomenon. An undefeated fighter and undisputed champion, he met every challenge placed before him and defeated them all. His offensive and defensive abilities remain among the best in the sport, and he always enters the ring with the goal of putting on an unforgettable performance.
Moses Itauma, meanwhile, will continue to rise rapidly through the heavyweight ranks. Still undefeated, he made a strong statement in his win over Jermaine Franklin Jr., showing he may be ready to take the next step and pursue a fight with Oleksandr Usyk.
My prediction?
This time I believe boxing wins.
Two of the best heavyweights of the moment facing each other is exactly the kind of fight that fans need to see more often. In fact, I wouldn’t even rule out a controversial decision that has promoters and fans clamoring for a rematch.
