I think differently. For me, after Franklin Gassiev (if he beats Pulev in December), he would be an excellent opponent for Itauma. The Russian is powerful and durable, but not fast and has limited footwork (he lost to Wallin....). He could take Itauma the distance, and it would be a good way to gain experience.
Gassiev is a former cruiserweight champion. And he's still 32 years old. Very dangerous fight for Itauma. It won't happen, no way.
If Itauma is as strong as Warren says he should win clearly against Gassiev, who hasn't proven himself at heavyweight yet and lost to the strongest fighter he's faced in this weight class, Otto Wallin.... In any case we'll know more about Itauma's next opponent after his match with Franklin.
They're feeding Itauma cab drivers like Franklin, Whyte, Pulev etc. Wallin is a possible opponent too, but not Gassiev.
I don't agree, but now we just have to wait, in some time we will know who will be there for Itauma after Franklin.
I mean, they have already turned down Sanchez, threatened to sue to get Pulev, and settled on Franklin. I think the entire boxing world already realizes that he is not as strong as Warren says.
We certainly don't know how strong Itauma really is right now. The longer his career progresses, the more we'll get an idea. When the level of his opponents increases it's easier to see a boxer's weaknesses. I think Itauma is a good prospect, but I'll wait for him to face more important opponents to better assess his caliber. I also understand that he's managed with the right timing, without rushing, Itauma will turn 21 in December, only casual fans could have seen him as an opponent for Usyk after his victory over Whyte. Wardley is 10 years older than Itauma, and while a 31-year-old heavyweight today isn't considered old, it's normal for the timing of managing a 31-year-old fighter to be different than that of a 21-year-old.
I'm not saying he won't be good, but they tried to sell it like he was ready for Usyk now, and ready to be the youngest champ ever, etc. He's obviously not THAT good. Regardless of what he accomplishes, he's been oversold.
Whoever manages him is handling him well in my opinion. After a very faded Whyte now there's Franklin, who should give Itauma more effort than Whyte. Then, if some media (and a good number of casuals) after his victory over Whyte called Itauma the new Foreman, we can't do anything about it, these things will always happen. What matters is how a fighter is managed, and they're managing Itauma well, then we'll see where he can get to.
Can Gassiev get through a training camp if he can you have to fancy him via decision here. Then he will sit on the belt for 7 years whilst retired and become the Emeritus WBA lifetime champion.
With all the casuals on social media it's no surprise that boxers are overrated, good prospects become instant champions after knocking out finished fighters. Luckily the average level in this forum is good.