Oleksandr Usyk vs Moses Itauma: Ben Davison’s Bold Appraisal

The heavyweight division remains a major focal point in boxing. Oleksandr Usyk (24-0, 15 KOs) is the undisputed heavyweight champion, having defeated Daniel Dubois on July 19, while Moses Itauma (13-0, 11 KOs) is pushing towards a big fight after his August 16 one-round demolition of Dillian Whyte. Calls for Usyk vs Itauma have grown, including from Turki Alalshikh, and Itauma’s trainer Ben Davison has now spoken on the Ariel x Ade DAZN Boxing Show about his fighter’s chances if the bout is made.

Oleksandr Usyk vs Moses Itauma: Ben Davison’s Honest Appraisal

Ben Davison Breaks Down Usyk vs Itauma

Usyk has ruled the cruiserweight and heavyweight divisions, facing the best fighters and triumphing time and time again, including his two fights against Tyson Fury. Itauma has dazzled in a short space of time, and following his destruction of Whyte, many are calling for Itauma to step up and face the mercurial Ukrainian.

When speaking on the Ariel x Ade Show, Davison spoke about the chances of Itauma against Usyk: “He probably has the best chance of anybody to beat Oleksandr Usyk. There isn’t a heavyweight out there, in my opinion, that has a better chance than [Moses] of winning that fight,” said Davison.

 “As much as people claim [Moses Itauma] has never fought anybody like Usyk, which is correct, I strongly am of the opinion that Usyk has not boxed somebody like Moses, either.

 “Somebody with the IQ that could match anybody, at any weight. Somebody with the agility, coordination, speed and power that Moses has,” added Davison.

Moses Itauma

The ability of the 20-year-old is undeniable. He moves like a middleweight and punches like a heavyweight. He’s an exceptional finisher who would undoubtedly trouble any heavyweight in the world. But Frank Warren’s Queensberry are one of the best matchmakers in the sport, and they won’t rush the development of the Slovakian-born Brit.

For Itauma’s next fight and his long-term development, a fight against Filip Hrgovic or a similar opponent would be a better move. Hrgovic would provide a live threat, and potentially take Itauma to a place he has never been before. Jermaine Franklin is another potential opponent, who many would expect Itauma to beat, but his granite chin should give him the rounds he and his team crave.

Only time will tell what’s next for Itauma. Moses destroyed Dillian Whyte, and his next fight should be biblical, no matter the opponent.