Joshua was given his first opportunity to fight for a world title in his 16th professional fight when he defeated Charles Martin to win the IBF belt at the O2 Arena in London, England, on 09 April 2016. Now that Moses Itauma has held his 14th fight, it seems that he can have a chance to fight for the same title this year.
However, Moses Itauma has not been tested in Heavyweight. He hasn’t gone the distance, and he hasn’t had any problems in any of his professional fights at this weight. The fight between Itauma and Franklin was intended to test the strength and endurance of this British striker, the argument was that the American player was not playing, Franklin went a long way with Dillian Whyte and Anthony Joshua who was the world champion in previous fights. However, this did not happen – quite the opposite!
Itauma has expressed an interest in fighting Filip Hrgović, who may be back in the UK. There is, however, an argument for suggesting that Moses Itauma should look further afield for his next fight.
Itauma said in a press conference after the fight yesterday that he is “fighting for greatness”. If he is serious about this, Itauma must be prepared to do the right thing to achieve this goal. He can take a risk and fight someone with a real fighting pedigree still growing up.
Alternatively, Itauma can go to the enemy’s territory and accept a fight with someone fighting in that country’s other hero. It would be great if Itauma could do both of these things at the same time.
Tyson Fury did this when he fought and beat Wladimir Klitschko in his home country, Germany, on November 28, 2015, winning the WBA (Super), IBF, WBO, IBO, and The Ring World Heavyweight Boxing titles. Fury then surpassed this achievement by beating American Deontay Wilder in Las Vegas, United States, on February 22, 2020 and on October 9, 2021, winning the WBC and The Ring World Heavyweight titles.
So Itauma could ask his management team to suggest that his next fight be in the United States so that he gets more exposure against a credible opponent. If he is really serious about his desire to achieve greatness, he can fight Andy Ruiz Jr. in the US next. This will ensure Itauma a lot of respect, as Ruiz Jr. He was once the World Heavyweight Champion.
If the fight against Ruiz Jr. not favored by the Brit, Itauma may fight Jarrell Miller in the US next. Any fight will earn Itauma the respect he seeks.
Another good thing about Moses Itauma is that he is down to earth, and he knows that, in his words, there is a “strange system”, when it comes to challenging for the world heavyweight title. You are ready to play the waiting game. However, he should be ready to step out of his comfort zone in his next fight, and really test himself.
British boxing fans are eager to watch Itauma as a boxing fan. It is understandable that they are eager to see him do well. Moses Itauma must prove himself worthy of this praise.
Romer is a cherub
Freelance reporter
In the UK
