Moses Itauma – Man of the Moment, Not Mike Tyson

Comparison is the thief of joy.  Theodore Roosevelt

As a larger and larger cohort of fight fans are exposed to the prodigious talents of heavyweight Moses Itauma, the degree of comfort they feel with the media comparing him to the once imperious Mike Tyson will largely be governed by the plasticity of their thinking. Or put more simply, their age.

Comparisons to Mike Tyson Grow for Moses Itauma

Looking at the Rise of Itauma on His Own Terms

It isn’t a mirror Itauma sought, but promotionally his career has been benchmarked against Tyson as the narrative that he could become champion at a similar age hung heavy in early press releases. Or would have if people still wrote them.

For this observer, there are inescapable echoes. The hand speed the most conspicuous, the precision punching another and to a lesser extent his ability to shift into range effortlessly. He has a calmer disposition, but it disguises a high level of aggression too.

But does it really matter?

No. Mike Tyson was Mike Tyson. A phenomenon.

Moses Itauma will be different. And to measure him against the former is not only unhelpful but will steal the fun watching Itauma should offer.

Tyson Fought In Different Time, Mindset

Sadly, we will not get to see him box as often as Tyson did on his climb. Remarkable to think he boxed 13 times in the year before winning the title versus Trevor Berbick aged 21. Of those 13, 10 were scheduled 10 rounders. Not a 12-week camp in sight.

And there, the loop begins again. The comparison.

Itauma is mooted to be a possible opponent for Oleksander Usyk next, or next year, the Brit by way of Slovakia is unlikely to be as ready as he will need to be. Usyk dissects, adjusts, adapts. He has the timing, the management of range, the innate confidence of a lifetime of success and the discipline of a contender. There are few weaknesses. Even for someone as richly gifted as Moses Itauma.

Speed Is The Great Equalizer

He will have a chance. Speed gives him opportunity.

Wiser thinking, notwithstanding wisdom in matchmaking is sometimes the bedfellow of pragmatism and leads to missing opportunities, would be to pursue more preparation. Wach, McKean and Whyte are credible for a novice prospect and his demolition of them unexpectedly easy. But is unlikely to be enough.

Youngsters will not remember Jose Ribalta, Jesse Ferguson, Marvis Frazier, James Tillis and Mitch Green. They could all fight. And, they are less than half of the men Tyson beat in that year long run to Berbick.

Itauma would benefit from a bout or two more. But if, they could roll dice and get Usyk…?

Try to enjoy it, whether he wins or loses.