I'm hoping this guy can live up to the hype. He's looking good and the division needs a guy like him. Usyk is amazing but he's not a destroyer. The division has not had a guy like this since Tyson. Ok we had Bowe and Evander, but Evander lacked a bit of power. Lewis had his moments but could be more technical at times. I'm not putting him at that level yet, but he's got good skills and he goes in there with the intent to wipe his opponent out.
The main thing about Itauma is that he is capable of beating some good fighters in Whyte, hence Itauma has actually got credibility, and that is the most important thing. However, he has huge huge questions that still need to be answered in terms of his stamina and his chin, and so on... because if you lack of one these things, it could be the difference from a gatekeeper to a champion. Its very possible Itauma may end up having BOTH no chin or stamina like David Price who was basically proven to be a big example of a hype job. So we'll see. Also, I'd really like to see Itauma be more active. He is still a prospect that badly needs experience and rounds, and in the past year alone hes fought what like four, five rounds in three fights? Mike Tyson at Itauma's age was fighting every month at the very worst, its not like Itauma is exactly taking punishment.
I honestly think Itauma could become the figurehead of the HW division. There will be a Usyk vacuum when he retires, and the belts will be fragmented again. I can see him picking up at least one of these belts because Bricktop is doing a marvellous job presenting him as the next Mike Tyson when he hasn't really done anything that notable. Talent-wise, I am really impressed with his speed, shot selection, footwork, and general demeanour; he is destined for the big time. I know sparring stories are sparring stories, but it sounds like he's got a decent chin on him, too. Dillian Whyte was disgraceful, and was outclassed entirely and shot to bits. It's not Moses' fault, but he needs rounds, and activity. If he took out someone like Bakole, Chisora or Parker like he did Whyte, then it'd be time to get excited, but for now, he needs better opposition and more activity. If I had to pick who would be top of the division in 2030, I would pick Itauma.
As far as his chin, stamina, dedication and heart will take him. We see that he has plenty of everything else.
He needs to fight a big puncher in their primes. He's got the talent, but we need to see that chin get tested. Zhang is too damn old, I think his time has passed. Bakole is getting worse and worse and has no discipline. What about Dubois? Is he ready for that? Way too early?
I already said that Miller would be an ideal opponent for him, he is experienced, durable and has a great chin and would be a good test for Itauma...
Commenting on the potential of a prospect whose best opponent to date is a shot to smithereens Whyte is impossible. He looks like a prospect who can go all the way and become a world champion. But only few ever make it that far and he has a lot of hurdles to clear before then. One of the main ones is staying motivated when he is likely to face a diet of cream puffs for the next 18 months to 2 years. Does he maintain his motivation and discipline despite not being challenged? Does he develop and address his weaknesses in a situation where he will be bowling over his opponents with little opposition?
So far he's passed the tests with flying colours and looks good. But also he's been way too inactive. Fighting just twice a year at this stage of development is just ridiculous. So basically dunno yet.
Need to see how well he can take a punch before we can judge David Price looked decent until his glass jaw got exposed
It’s the great unknown in boxing right now. I suspect it’s all hype but you’d be a fool to bank on it.
To be fair, Price had been flatlined in the amateurs multiple times with headgear on. Itauma doesn't have any stories emerging about him having a bad chin, but the jury is still out until we actually see it against a live opponent.
