Connect with us

UK Boxing

“Moses gives him hellfire” – Johnny Nelson on Oleksandr Usyk vs. Itauma

Published

on

Johnny Nelson on a potential fight between Oleksandr Usyk and Moses Itauma Source: Instagram

Former cruiserweight world champion Johnny Nelson has explained how he views a potential clash between Moses Itauma and Oleksandr Usyk.

Just 21, Itauma has already been mentioned in a conversation with Usyk, but Nelson believes the Ukrainian would be a step too far.

Since turning professional in 2021, Itauma has been a revelation in the heavyweight division.

He has already had some impressive wins on the biggest stage, including a first-round knockout of Dempsey McKean in the Oleksandr Usyk vs Tyson Fury match.

Nelson talked to Daily mail box about perspective.

Johnny Nelson on a potential fight between Oleksandr Usyk and Moses Itauma Source: Instagram

“[Itauma’s] nowhere near the finished article. He’s only 21, I think we’ve seen maybe 35% of him.”

Itauma has amassed an impressive 13-0 record, with 11 of those victories coming after the break.

He last saw action in August, when he stopped Dillian Whyte in the first round, which on paper was his biggest test.

“The Bodysnatcher” has competed at the highest level throughout his career.

He fought against heavyweight stars such as Anthony Joshua, Tyson Fury and Joseph Parker, but was no match for the man from Kent.

Moses Itauma defeated Dillian Whyte in the first round in Riyad. Photo: Leigh Dawney/Queensberry
Moses Itauma defeated Dillian Whyte in the first round in Riyad. Photo: Leigh Dawney/Queensberry

After Itauma’s victory in August, General Entertainment Authority president Turki Alalshikh posted on social media that he wanted to see him face Usyk next.

Itauma is currently the main WBA challenger to Usyk’s world title.

Nelson also shared his thoughts on the potential fight, insisting it won’t be a one-sided fight.

“I think Moses sent him hellfire, but I don’t think so Usyk is too smart for him.

“I think he’s too intelligent for all of them, but it’s a risky fight for him.

“I would expect Usyk to beat him, but don’t write this boy off.”

Johnny Nelson warns against signing Moses Itauma for Oleksandr Usyk. Source: Queensberry
Johnny Nelson warns against signing Moses Itauma for Oleksandr Usyk. Source: Queensberry

“The Cat” will return later this year, and Deontay Wilder seems the most likely opponent for his return.

Itauma was scheduled to return this week and headline the Coop Live Arena, but a torn bicep during camp meant his return was postponed.

He was scheduled to face American heavyweight Jermaine Franklin.

Frank Warren discussed why Moses Itauma's next fight was postponed. Source: Queensberry
Frank Warren discussed why Moses Itauma’s next fight was postponed. Source: Queensberry

Franklin is coming off a lackluster win over Ivan Dychko after a penniless card in the Canelo Alvarez vs. Terence Crawford match in September.

The event has been rescheduled for March 28, when Itauma will hope to claim victory after seven months away from the ring.

In 2025, the 21-year-old boxed just over five minutes total in his two wins over Mike Balogun and Dillian Whyte.

Itauma detained Balogun in May. Photo: Leigh Dawney/Queensberry
Itauma detained Balogun in May. Photo: Leigh Dawney/Queensberry

The post “Moses Gives Him Hellfire” – Johnny Nelson on the Oleksandr Usyk vs Itauma fight appeared first on ProBoxing-Fans.com.

Continue Reading
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

UK Boxing

Dillian Whyte interested in rematch with Joseph Parker

Published

on

Fabio Wardley amazed Joseph Parker during his performance at the O2: Leigh Dawney/Queensberry

Dillian Whyte is eager to fight Joseph Parker again.

In 2018, Whyte and Parker played 12 invigorating rounds, with both hitting the canvas.

Whyte won his dramatic heavyweight fight by unanimous decision at the O2 Arena.

‘The Body Snatcher’ is now planning a rematch with the Recent Zealander, who is looking to clear his name after testing positive for cocaine following his October defeat to Fabio Wardley.

“There are a lot of good fights and Joseph Parker is one of them,” the 38-year-old said Ring Magazine.

Fabio Wardley amazed Joseph Parker during his performance at the O2: Leigh Dawney/Queensberry

“I would love to fight Joseph Parker, I think it’s a really good fight.

“He has to come back, he has to be cleared or whatever. I don’t know the situation.

“So in the meantime I have to stay busy and fight my way back, so let’s see.

“I feel like I still have a little bit to give, so let’s see what we can do to finish the season on a high.

“I’m training now and I want to come back in May or June.

“Now it’s just a matter of training and seeing what comes out on this kind of date.”

Moses Itauma defeated Dillian Whyte in the first round in Riyad. Photo: Leigh Dawney/Queensberry
Moses Itauma defeated Dillian Whyte in the first round in Riyad. Photo: Leigh Dawney/Queensberry

The former world title challenger from Brixton has not fought since a crushing first-round knockout defeat to rising contender Moses Itauma last August in Riyad.

Former world champion Parker won six times on spin before being stopped in the 11th round against Wardley, losing the WBO interim title and a shot at unified champion Oleksandr Usyk.

The 34-year-old says he is going through this process after failing the test and hopes it will be resolved soon.

Whyte defeated Parker in 2018. Photo: Reuters
Whyte defeated Parker in 2018. Photo: Reuters

“Let’s hope so [I’m back] soon,” Parker said Professional boxing fans.

“I’m just going through the process and practicing patience.

“We just have to be patient and learn from what they say happened.

“I know what happened and I handed over everything, so let’s see.”

The post Dillian Whyte Eyes Joseph Parker Rematch appeared first on ProBoxing-Fans.com.

Continue Reading

UK Boxing

“I was nervous” – Tony Yoka reacts to Lawrence Okolie’s failed test

Published

on

Lawrence Okolie presented an unfavorable analysis result in the VADA test. Photo: Leigh Dawney/Queensberry

Tony Yoka has broken his silence on Lawrence Okolie’s failed test that canceled their scheduled heavyweight fight.

On Saturday in Paris, Yoka was scheduled to face Okolie in a fierce heavyweight fight.

But on Tuesday, the Briton failed a VADA test, reportedly for GHRP 2 and its metabolite M8, a synthetic substance that stimulates the body to release human growth hormone.

Promoter Frank Warren tried to find a slow replacement, but later canceled the entire show.

Yoka (33) admits that he was bitterly disappointed with the situation.

Lawrence Okolie presented an unfavorable analysis result in the VADA test. Photo: Leigh Dawney/Queensberry

“I was disappointed because I wanted to fight,” said the 33-year-old talkSPORT.

“Of course I was ready.

“It’s not like it happened a few months before, it was three, four days before the fight.

Okolie was scheduled to face Yoka in Paris on Saturday. Photo: Queensberry
Okolie was scheduled to face Yoka in Paris on Saturday. Photo: Queensberry

“It was a great opportunity.

“It would have put me in a really good position, so it really worried me.

“What was more disappointing to me was that they just canceled the entire show, but I understand it’s a business.”

The Frenchman says he won’t wait too long and has been told he will either fight on the card Fabio Wardley vs. Daniel Dubois May 9 in Manchester or on the bill Dave Allen vs Filip Hrgovic on May 16 in Doncaster.

Okolie, the WBC’s number one contender for Oleksandr Usyk’s title, promised in a statement to clear his name.

“Before anyone starts imagining the worst, after last year’s bicep injury, I suffered an elbow injury on the same shoulder during this camp.

“I underwent treatment and now we are here.

“I hope common sense will prevail.

“I will of course cooperate fully with all relevant authorities and I am confident that any investigation will clear my name.

“I will not be making any further comments at this time.

“Thank you for all your support and see you soon.”

The post “I Was Nervous” – Tony Yoka’s Reaction to Lawrence Okolie’s Failed Test appeared first on ProBoxing-Fans.com.

Continue Reading

UK Boxing

David Benavidez is considering two names after Zurdo Ramirez

Published

on

Benavidez and Ramirez face-to-face before world title fight Photo: Cris Esqueda/Golden Boy Promotions

David Benavidez is already looking to the future ahead of next week’s showdown with Zurdo Ramirez.

Benavidez challenges Zurdo for his unified WBO and WBA cruiserweight world titles next Saturday at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, live on DAZN pay-per-view.

“The Mexican Monster” is moving up from lightweight heavyweight, where he holds the WBC crown, in a bid to become a three-division world champion.

An undisputed 175-pound title fight with Dmitry Bivol has so far eluded the undefeated 29-year-old, but he insists he will return to the weight class after the Ramirez fight in an attempt to lure Bivol to fight him.

“My plan wasn’t just to abandon the lightweight heavyweight division,” Benavidez said Ariel Helwani show.

“My plan was this [to] come up, win two titles, come back and make this fight with me and Bivol even bigger.

“My dream is to become unified champion.

“It would be wise for me to go back downstairs.”

Benavidez and Ramirez face-to-face before world title fight Photo: Cris Esqueda/Golden Boy Promotions

Bivol, the holder of the remaining IBF, WBA and WBO belts, will defend his IBF title against mandatory challenger Michael Eifert on May 30 in Russia.

The 35-year-old won the undisputed crown, among others revenge victory over Artur Beterbiev in his last appearance last February.

The Russian gave up the WBC belt, which Benavidez currently holds, in pursuit of a third meeting with Beterbiev, which ultimately did not take place.

Benavidez is interested in fighting Bivol for the undisputed light heavyweight title
Benavidez is interested in fighting Bivol for the undisputed lightweight heavyweight title

Benavidez, who stopped Anthony Yarde in Riyad in November, is also hoping to fight former undisputed lightweight heavyweight champion Beterbiev, who hasn’t fought since his only professional loss to Bivol.

“After this fight [against Bivol] when I win the titles,” he added.

“I’m going to fight Beterbiev.

“I’m probably most excited about Beterbiev.

Benavidez wants to fight Beterbiev. Photo: Mark Robinson Matchroom Boxing
Benavidez wants to fight Beterbiev. Photo: Mark Robinson Matchroom Boxing

“These are two monsters heading on a collision course.

“Beterbiev was a bogeyman for a long, long, long time.

“Being the monster I am, I have to go in there and get rid of the bogeyman.”

The post David Benavidez Eyeing Two Names After Zurdo Ramirez appeared first on ProBoxing-Fans.com.

Continue Reading
Advertisement

OUR NEWSLETTER

Subscribe Us To Receive Our Latest News Directly In Your Inbox!

We don’t spam! Read our privacy policy for more info.

Trending