– Is that what I’m afraid of? Itauma said to talkSPORT Boxing.

After repeating the question, the 21-year-old paused again.

“Did you say fear?”

Itauma finally responded, saying that he viewed boxing as a puzzle and believed that proper preparation could solve any challenge facing him. But what was most striking was what happened next.

The conversation had already flowed, but Itauma returned to the topic once again.

“No, I’m just shocked that you said that,– Itauma told the hosts.

For a player who is usually measured and composed in interviews, this exchange was noteworthy. Itauma had no problem discussing Hrgovic’s strengths, praising the Croatian as one of the best heavyweights available and describing the achievements on his resume. However, the suggestion that he might be afraid of his opponent seemed to strike a different chord.

Whether it was surprise, pride, or straightforward disbelief, Itauma didn’t want to let that word pass without referring to it a few times.

For an undefeated heavyweight who prides himself on being the epitome of supreme self-confidence, just hearing the word “fear” associated with his name was a huge shock to his system. If it didn’t bother him, he would have just laughed, replied quickly, “I’m not afraid of any man,” and let the interview continue.

Instead, look at how he reacted:

• He completely froze and told the host to repeat the question twice to make sure he heard correctly.
• He gave his standard PR-friendly answer that boxing was a conundrum that seemed like a defense mechanism to regain control of his thoughts.
• The biggest advantage is that he came back to this topic after the topic had already changed.

This last part is the smoking gun. This means that the question was actively floating around in his head while they were talking about something else. He couldn’t let go because his pride was hurt. He wanted to make it clear to the hosts and anyone listening that even suggesting he felt fear was absurd.

It shows that while he may see his opponents as puzzles to solve, he’s still a 21-year-old fighter with a lot of pride, and the media can certainly get under his skin if they hit the right nerve.

When the prospect of being undefeated becomes the next massive thing, they start living in a bubble where everyone tells them they are undefeated. Itauma is tearing through his opponents and the media is treating him as the savior of the heavyweight division. In his opinion, he is the biggest predator.

So when a reporter asks him if he’s afraid of anyone, he completely undermines that narrative. It forces him to look at himself through a normal, human lens, and his ego simply cannot process it. To him, the question itself was an insult because it suggested he was vulnerable.

Itauma couldn’t bear to have his image of supreme dominance disturbed. It is exactly the same inability to let go of noticeable smallness. He had to come back to it because his pride was damaged, proving that despite all the hype, he is still human and can definitely be shaken.

The timing is engaging considering the dynamics surrounding the fight. For much of his career, Hrgovic has rejected the notion that he is merely a stepping stone for boxing’s fastest-rising heavyweight prospect. Meanwhile, Itauma seems equally resistant to any suggestion that another heavyweight might take the place in his mind as a feared figure.

Their fight on August 29 at London’s O2 Arena will decide which of the fighters is legitimate. Hrgovic believes he will reveal the hype surrounding the youngster, while Itauma has made it clear he sees the Croatian as another obstacle to solve rather than someone to worry about.

Peter Fury is receiving praise for his latest efforts as a coach, but there is one player the 58-year-old admitted he is “really excited about”, promising to take him to the very top of the sport.

Fury’s famous nephew, Tyson Fury, trained him to a unified heavyweight world title, orchestrating an iconic victory over Wladimir Klitschko in 2015but upon his return, the “Gypsy King” decided to hire a up-to-date cornerback.

Since then, Peter Fury has continued to train his son, Hughie Fury, and guided Savannah Marshall to the undisputed super middleweight world title, but he recently drew praise for his partnership with Dutch kickboxer Rico Verhoeven, who pushed Oleksandr Usyk to the limit in his fight for the heavyweight crown last month.

However, while Verhoeven impressed on the massive stage under Fury’s tutelage, the veteran coach is now trying to develop multiple national amateur champion and nephew, James Dean Fury, into a superstar.

I’m talking to Boxing King’s MediaJames Dean Fury certainly anticipated his rise to the top, believing that experience is the only thing currently keeping him from mixing at an elite level after announcing his move to the professional scene.

“Right now, all I want to do is achieve the best version of myself and fulfill my dream of becoming world champion, and whoever it is at that moment will definitely achieve it. I believe in myself, I believe that I am the best in the world and all I need is experience and rounds, and then I will definitely achieve it.”

Meanwhile, in a conversation with About boxingPeter Fury has declared he is “really excited” as he prepares to train another nephew to become a world champion.

“I’m really excited about him because he’s as good as he says he is. If he wasn’t, he wouldn’t be with me. He’s been with me since I was a baby, he’s close to me, I look at him like he’s my boy, like he’s my son. I have a vested interest in him because he’s my boy, right? He’s my brother’s son and I’ve had him since I was a baby.”

“So for me there’s a great reward waiting for me, to be able to see this adolescent guy fight his way to the top – and he will. He will do it because I can do it and if I have something to do with it, he will definitely do it. Believe me, he is a real talent.”

James Dean Fury has signed a contract with BOXXER and Boxing News understands he could make his professional ring debut Undercard Williamson-Simpson II in Leeds on Saturday, August 8.

Floyd Mayweather insists he is heading to Greece this week despite a growing legal dispute that could cast a shadow over the event.

The undefeated boxing legend sent a direct message to Greek fans on Tuesday amid ongoing preparations for his June 27 event against kickboxing star Mike Zambidis in Athens.

“I want to thank everyone, I want to thank you for all the support. Greece, I’m on my way.

“Let’s have fun, let’s have fun and give the people what they want to see. Greece, I’m on my way.”

The news comes as a growing controversy surrounds several proposed Mayweather-related events involving Mike Tyson and Manny Pacquiao.

Mayweather presses forward

The recently disclosed arbitration request involving plaintiffs Jaspreet Mathur and EMI Capital LLC focuses on contracts related to proposed Mayweather events involving Tyson and Pacquiao.

The dispute names Jona Rechnitz and entities affiliated with Frist Apex Ventures among respondents and fits into an increasingly complicated picture of Mayweather’s exhibition plans.

At the same time, social media related to the case publicly alleged that rights related to Mayweather’s planned return to professional boxing had been sold to separate event producers.

The claims remain allegations, and Mayweather has not publicly addressed the latest filing.

What he did was further promote Greece.

While the arbitration proceedings are ongoing elsewhere, Mayweather is acting as if the June 27 date remains on track.

Collision course

The exhibition in Greece is moving forward and the controversy surrounding Tyson and Pacquiao is gaining momentum.

It’s unclear whether these proceedings will ultimately impact any of the proposed events, but Mayweather shows no signs of changing course.

Just a few weeks ago, attention focused on whether shows featuring Mike Zambidis, Manny Pacquiao and Mike Tyson could co-exist on the same schedule.

The focus now is on whether these plans will survive the increasingly public battle over the broader project.

For now, Athens remains on the calendar, with only days left until the first bell.

Despite the growing controversy surrounding the feud, Mayweather appears determined to keep the event going in Greece.

His message to Greece remains unchanged.

“I’m on my way.”

About the author

Phil Jay is the editor-in-chief of World Boxing News (WBN) and a boxing veteran with over 15 years of experience. Read the full biography.