Short list of Moses Itauma opponents named

Rising heavyweight sensation Moses Itauma will return to the ring on July 25th at the O2 Arena, live on DAZN, promoter Frank Warren has confirmed. Warren has named Deontay Wilder, Murat Gassiev, Zhilei Zhang, the winner of Dave Allen-Filip Hrgovic and Richard Riakporhe as possible opponents.

 

Gassiev was ordered by the WBA to fight Itauma next after his win over Pulev .

 

Hopefully Hrgovic as it would be the logical step up, but he'll probably get cut badly against Allen.

Wilder - shot to pieces, will be knocked out inside two, would be shocked if Wilder actually took this fight.

Gassiev? Hasn't really done much at HW, barely just a step up from Franklin and he only has a redeemable quality in his power but has nothing other than that. Has Gassiev even been knocked down before? I don't think he has. Also, if Itauma beats Gassiev - won't the other sanctioning bodies cancel him out due to winning the fake WBA belt - although he could just instantly vacate it.

Zhang - along with Hrgovic a logical step up in my eyes and is very dangerous offensively. Might be too soon for Itauma to face a murderous and accurate puncher when he hasn't even been hit before.

Riakporhe - not really done much at HW, and seems to just be a physical monster rather than have actual technical ability. That said, it would be a passable fight for Itauma.

 

For me the best step ups would be Zhang, Hrgovic, they would be the two fights I'd want to see the most.

Gassiev is interesting due to his power even though he's a former Cruiserweight and hasn't done alot at Heavyweight.

I didn't think much of Rikaporhe when I see him last time but he would be an ok opponent.

Wilder whilst a notable name is shot and I'd rather not see Itauma facing another washed up fighter.

 

Well said, spot on.

 

Riakporhe, Gassiev or Hrgovic would be okay.

Wilder is a meaningful name, but might be too easy at this time. Zhang is getting too old and will have slowed down after his current long period of inactivity.

 

Would like to see Zhang, I don't know if he'll get full credit if he beats him though, due to Zhang's age and being perceived as washed now.

 

Please let it be Hrgovic.

Gassiev being ranked is a joke.

 

I wouldn't mind seeing him fight Riakphore for the British

I do like that traditional stuff

 

I think there’s zero chance uncle Frank puts him in with Zhang. I’d happily watch him fight any those opponents though.

 

Zhang could put an end to the fairytale.
Providing he could get the job done in under 60 seconds before he is completely gassed

 

Zhang/Hrgovic would be ideal due to their chins. Doubt he gets much credit for beating Zhang though

 

Great list for a 14-0 fighter who is 22

 

Zhang and Wilder offer nothing but name. Both are over 40, Wilder is shot to ribbons and Zhang is inactive and coming off a loss.
Hrgovic is unlikely to be ready as he is fighting next month and injury/cut prone.
This leaves Gassiev and Rhiakpore, I'd like to see him fight either but I wouldnt expect either to cause Itauma too many issues.

 

Same, both interesting ish fights, expect he’d get through them without too much issue