Sergio Mora says he doesn’t think undisputed heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk should fight Moses Itauma before he retires in three years. He doesn’t think Usyk (24-0, 15 KO) owes it to the inexperienced 20-year-old Itauma to boost his career by fighting him before he hangs up his gloves at the age of 41.
Itauma’s win-win fantasy.
Itauma (13-0, 11 KO) expressed interest in fighting Usyk, seeing it as a win-win for both sides. He gets a shot at the world title, a large payday, and a ready excuse to give his fans if he loses. Lack of experience and age can be blamed for this.
If he wins this fight, it will be a real advantage. Either way, it works in Itauma’s favor and does nothing for Usyk other than a large payday. Itauma will get an undeserved chance.
Sanctioning authorities quickly gave Itauma a high ranking despite the fact that he had not fought any worthwhile heavyweights. He is ranked No. 1 in the WBA and WBO rankings, which means Usyk will have no choice but to fight him soon if he wants to keep those belts.
Half a century, quarter of a CV
“There’s no way he’s going to fight a guy half his age who hasn’t even had a quarter of his success,” Sergio Mora told Chris Mannix canal about his belief that Oleksandr Usyk should not fight the less talented Moses Itauma, who has never fought anyone of note other than faded 37-year-old Dillian Whyte.
Itauma’s last eight opponents
- Dillian Whyte
- Mike Balogun
- Demsey McKean
- Mariusz Wach
- Ilya Mezentsev
- Dan Garber
- Michał Bołoz
- István Bernáth
Itauma’s fight for the world title wouldn’t pose much of a problem if he had been fighting good opponents since turning professional in 2023. Given his record, he is not rated to win the world title against Usyk and is not ranked number one in the rankings.
Torrez Jr. deserves more respect
Interestingly, 2020 Olympic silver medalist Richard Torrez Jr. he didn’t rise as high as Itauma, even though he faced better opponents as a professional. Torrez Jr. (13-0, 11 KO) also has better amateur qualifications.
“Usyk needs to make a decision about who he will fight. Usyk doesn’t need to rush his career. It’s time for Moses Itauma to do it on his own clock,” Mora said.
“Moses Itauma hasn’t beaten anyone yet,” Mannix said. “Itauma’s team knows they are not ready for Usyk. “I think if they fought tomorrow, Usyk would win this fight. Itauma, is he out of the third round already?