Oleksandr Usyk looks primed to defend his world Heavyweight titles against Moses Itauma in the future, although one boxing CEO thinks it could end badly for the undefeated fighter.
Usyk is expected to face Joseph Parker in a title unification fight, although an injury is set to sideline him for some time to rule him out of that clash.
After his dominant defeat of Dillian Whyte, knockout artist Moses Itauma seems to be a fan favorite to battle “The Cat”, following an incredible rise that has mirrored Mike Tyson’s early career trajectory.
Itauma is undefeated in 13 fights in the Heavyweight division, and has been backed to finish Usyk if he gets his fight against the champion.
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Frank Smith thinks Moses Itauma can beat Oleksandr Usyk, but warns the fight may be too soon
Itauma has the knockout ability to finish off Usyk, according to Matchroom Boxing CEO Frank Smith in a recent interview.
Speaking with The Stomping Ground, the boxing CEO admitted that Itauma could beat Usyk and achieve a shock knockout win over the undefeated champion if given the chance.
However, he clarified that there is still a risk that Usyk walks out the winner and that the fight may be too soon for the 20-year-old.
Smith said: “Yeah. Look, I think the reality is all of these great heavyweights can beat each other. You know, you’ve got 17, 18, 19 stone men, you know, punching.
“You’re all vulnerable apart from what we’ve seen us do in the current day. But that’s the reality of the sport we’re in.
“Do I think it’s probably too soon for a Usyk fight for Moses Itauma? But could he beat him? Yeah.
“How many surprise knockout losses have we seen in heavyweight boxing? So, anything can happen, but it’s probably too soon in terms of taking the risk.”
Ricky Hatton warned Moses Itauma against taking on Oleksandr Usyk so early in his career
Smith isn’t the only one unsure about a potential clash between Usyk and Itauma, despite backing the Brit to potentially finish the undefeated world Heavyweight champion.
Former world champion boxer Ricky Hatton is also worried about this fight coming too soon for the 20-year-old Itauma, who has had just 13 professional fights so far.
Hatton spoke with BBC Sport about Itauma, where he warned that he may have stepped up too quickly into these big fights and that Usyk may be a step too far at this point in his career.
He warned: “I think they might have stepped him up a bit too quick,” Hatton told BBC Sport.
“It was a very experienced performance, way beyond his years.
“They’re talking about Usyk next, woah, let’s just hold fire there just a little bit.
“Usyk will only have a couple [more fights]. If you look at the heavyweights coming through, it’s wide open for Itauma and I think he can clear up.”
Usyk already has a fight with Parker lined up, so he will likely have to beat the interim champion before defending against Itauma.