Moses Itauma believes he’s unlikely to battle once more earlier than the top of the yr.
The rising heavyweight star is coming off a breakthrough efficiency when he knocked out Dillian Whyte of their first spherical in August.
Itauma had been seeking to hold that momentum going and field once more in December, however now expects his subsequent battle to happen within the early a part of 2026.
“I needed to field December 13 however I believe that received sort of anointed to Dillian Whyte versus [Derek] Chisora. So I really feel like it may be one thing finish of Jan, finish of Feb. So we’ll see,” Itauma informed Sky Sports activities Information.
It means he’ll solely have boxed twice this yr and, along with his propensity for knocking out his opponents, that is been scarcely three rounds of motion in 2025.
Waiting for subsequent yr, Itauma mentioned: “You may set your self targets and you will by no means have the ability to obtain it solely as a result of it is by no means in your palms. My targets are to knock all people that they put in entrance of me out. However other than that, I can not actually do a lot.”
A complication for plotting Itauma’s subsequent transfer has been the state of affairs of the WBA ‘common’ heavyweight title, their secondary belt.
Itauma had been mandated as the following challenger for the WBA ‘common’ belt held by Kubrat Pulev, however the Bulgarian has since introduced a battle with Murat Gassiev in December.
Itauma’s promoter Frank Warren mentioned: “We have got to see what occurs with this Pulev state of affairs as a result of the WBA ordered that battle and he cannot get out of it. We’ll see the place we go.
“They’re speaking about they need to go to Dubai for this Gassiev battle however the WBA has not sanctioned that battle, to my information. How will you sanction a battle when you’re placing one other one out? So we’re the place we’re.”
British boxing legend Lennox Lewis believes Moses Itauma shouldn’t be able to problem for world titles and will wait till Oleksandr Usyk retires earlier than stepping up
Wardley a ‘actual Rocky story’
Itauma’s gym-mate Fabio Wardley seized the heavyweight limelight over the weekend along with his stoppage victory over Joseph Parker.
Highlights of Joseph Parker’s heavyweight conflict with Fabio Wardley at The O2 enviornment. (Credit score: DAZN)
Itauma counseled Wardley’s exhibiting. “He is simply beat a man who’s received an entire novice pedigree, has fought all these names and Fabio’s simply come there with a few unlicenced fights and now might be doubtlessly boxing for the heavyweight championship of the world. It is not a mockery of the game, it is extra an actual Rocky story,” Itauma informed Sky Sports activities Information.
“If he does battle [Usyk] I’d again him all the best way but it surely’s a troublesome ask. He is in the identical fitness center as me so I am by no means going to hate on him.
“He is finished it himself, however he has positively overachieved within the sport. So something that he does to any extent further is at all times going to be only a bonus.”
