Ex-World Champ Warns Against Rushing Itauma Into Usyk Bout: ‘Terrible Fight’

At Wembley Stadium, on July 19, Oleksandr Usyk (24-0, 15 KOs) faced Daniel Dubois (22-3, 21 KOs) for undisputed heavyweight glory. Usyk showed his class from the first bell and defeated Dubois by fifth-round KO. Immediately after the fight, Turki Alalshikh revealed the fight he wants to see is Usyk vs Moses Itauma. This suggestion was dismissed by Tony Bellew, who spoke to Esports Insider, revealing his worry for Itauma should this fight be made.

Turki Alalshikh Eyes Oleksandr Usyk vs Moses Itauma After July 19 Domination

Tony Bellew Concerned for Moses Itauma, Says Usyk Fight Is Too Soon

On July 19, Oleksandr Usyk delivered another masterclass, dominating and stopping Dubois to become a two-time undisputed heavyweight champion. Attention quickly turned to what would be next, with Alalshikh revealing who he would like to see Usyk face next: “I want to see Usyk against Itauma. This is the fight.”

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This proposed fight elicited a strong response from Bellew: “I think that’s a terrible fight for Moses Itauma. He’s not been past six rounds or seven rounds. I just think to throw a kid that young to the wolves at this stage of his career, I don’t get why anyone would want to do that? I think Turki Al-Shikh has been brilliant for boxing, I really do think he’s revitalized the game. He’s reinvigorated the game, but one man can never control boxing. That’s not my opinion. That’s a fact.” 

Moses Itauma

The boxing world is running out of superlatives to describe Itauma (12-0, 10 KOs). He has blown away all comers thus far, and on August 16, he will take on his toughest test yet, against Dillian Whyte (31-3, 21 KOs).

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He is light on his feet and punches like a mule. If he passes the Whyte test with flying colours, it will be hard to justify holding the 20-year-old back.