Joshua received his first shot at a world title in his 16th professional fight when he faced and won the title on April 9, 2016, at the O2 Arena in London, England, at the O2 Arena in London, England. Now that Moses Itauma has fought his 14th professional fight, the rationale seems to be that he is able to follow a career path similar to his British colleague and fight for a world title this year.
However, Moses Itauma still remains untested in the heavyweight division. He didn’t go the distance and didn’t encounter any problems in any of his professional fights at this weight. Itauma’s fight with Franklin was intended to test the British fighter’s resilience and stamina, arguing that the American was no slouch as Franklin had gone the distance in previous fights against Dillian Whyte and former world champion Anthony Joshua. However, this did not happen – on the contrary!
Itauma has expressed an interest in fighting Filip Hrgovic, likely again in the UK. However, there is an argument to be made for suggesting that Moses Itauma should look further afield for his next fight.
Itauma said at his post-fight press conference yesterday that he “strives for greatness.” If he is earnest about it, Itauma should be prepared to do whatever it takes to achieve this goal. He can take a chance and fight someone with a real fighting pedigree who is still in great shape.
Alternatively, Itauma can travel to enemy territory and engage a warrior in that other warrior’s homeland. It would of course be better if Itauma could do both at the same time.
Tyson Fury did exactly the same when he fought and defeated Wladimir Klitschko in his adopted country of Germany on November 28, 2015, winning the WBA (Super), IBF, WBO, IBO and The Ring World Heavyweight Boxing titles. Fury then surpassed that achievement by defeating American Deontay Wilder in Las Vegas, United States, on February 22, 2020, and October 9, 2021, to win the WBC and The Ring World Heavyweight titles.
Itauma may therefore ask his management team to suggest that his next fight take place in the United States to maximize exposure against a credible opponent. If he’s really earnest about his desire to achieve greatness, he could fight Andy Ruiz Jr. next. in the USA. This would give Itauma the highest respect because Ruiz Jr. he was a former world heavyweight champion.
If the Briton doesn’t like the Ruiz Jr. fight, Itauma could fight Jarrell Miller in the US next. Any fight will earn Itauma the respect he craves.
One good thing about Moses Itaum is that he is down to earth and knows that, in his words, there is a “pecking order” when it comes to fighting for the world heavyweight title. He is prepared for the waiting game. However, he must be ready to shake off his comfort level and really prove himself in his next fight.
British boxing fans like to see Itauma as a boxing sensation. It’s understandable that they want him to do well. Moses Itauma must prove himself worthy of this praise.
Romer Cherubiny
Independent journalist
Great Britain