Feels like we could slip off into an alternative timeline where a 37 year old Whyte becomes world champion, old manning Itauma then beating Parker a second time, only to be stripped for failing multiple drug tests... one can dream (I picked up Whyte to be knocked down and win at 66-1 a few weeks back, now its 18-1 so its fuelling my delusions)
Is that how PEDs work? Excuse my ignorance on your understanding of PEDs. You just take a pill or injection and your body wakes up in contest shape ready to go yeah.
Itauma before the final bell. Dillian is a solid brand, but let's face it – the guy has been through a lot. He's been knocked out hard three times (Joshua, Povetkin, Fury) and has had several tough fights where he took a lot of punishment, such as the slaughter with Dereck. His health isn't what it used to be. He also had a history of doping violations and probably needs to be much more vigilant now. Even Dillian in his prime might not have been able to handle such a talented fighter, let alone today's one. Itauma is the clear favorite. I'm hoping Dillian manages to land something decent, because then we'll at least get confirmation that Moses can survive a mistake even against hard-hitting fighters. I'm not expecting a close fight, but I'd love to be wrong. Itauma doesn't exactly resonate with me. He seems like an overly arrogant fighter. I wouldn't cry if Dillian pulled off a surprise.
He just hasn't been the distance in a real fight, and even if he does it comfortably in sparring, it can be different for real. Also a couple years ago now I know, so he is likely better now, but if you look at his six rounder he was getting frustrated and blowing pretty hard by the end. Also in the latest Balogun fight he looked out of breath at the stoppage, his mouth open and huffing and puffing but he may have been trying a breathing technique or something?
I'm not sold on reach measurements, I'm sure half of them are just made up. But I wouldn't be surprised if he had a longer reach than Parker, Parker has relatively short arms for a boxer his height.
Has this fight been changed to 10 rounds instead of 12? That seems like they aren't too confident in Itauma with Whyte showing up in the shape he has.