Moses Itauma, managed by Frank Warren’s Queensberry Promotions, is widely considered the heir apparent to the heavyweight throne. Eddie Hearn is looking to the future to ensure he has a stake in the division in the coming years.
Itauma did everything right as a professional, going 13-0 with 11 stoppages. Last time out, he defeated former world title challenger Dillian Whyte in all of two minutes.
Although injury delayed his next challenge against Jermaine Franklin, the 21-year-old is expected to continue his impressive form when fight night rolls around next month. Championship titles are just around the corner and the changing of the guard is expected to happen within the next 24 months.
While Itauma leads a fresh generation of substantial men, there are other thrilling names on the rise. Top Rank’s Richard Torrez is impressing across the pond, and Matchroom – having had arguably the sport’s biggest star in Anthony Joshua since his debut – won’t go down without a fight.
In his stable, Hearn has pointed out to IFL TV two heavyweights that Itauma will rock with in the future: Teremoana Teremoana and Leo Atang.
“[Itauma] is an exceptional talent. He’s a special talent; is the best word. Disposable.
“I have to find some heavyweights that will rock with him for the next three or four years and I have two that I think will really rock with him. One will rock with him in 6 to 12 months and that is Teremoana and the other is Leo Atang.”
Australian Teremoana is 9-0 with nine early finishes and has the charisma to be a fan favorite in the heavyweight division. With Matchroom actively working down the line, he will have the right support to progress, and the man himself has floated the idea of a massive fight against Itauma.
Perhaps more intriguing to fans years later will be Atang, a player from Yorkshire who won 4-0, compared to “AJ”. After a third-round victory over Amine Boucetta last month, he will return to the pitch on February 21 as a shortlisted player in the Leigh Wood vs Josh Warrington match. Atang, 19, is significantly behind Itauma in his development but welcomes the idea of preparing for British competition. Hearn knows this especially will take time, and Itauma will likely be champion when it happens.
– We need more time, it’s true [Atang] 18 and 10 fights for (Itauma). If Leo is going to fight for the World Heavyweight Championship, he will face Moses.
“I can give you the hype, but the reality is that anything can happen. You really need a lot of luck along the way.”
All three talents indicate that the heavyweight division can thrive if the likes of Oleksandr Usyk, Tyson Fury and Joshua pull back the curtain on their campaigns.