Heavyweight boxing star Moses Itauma hit back at trainer Buddy McGirt’s pre-fight claims.
Moses Itauma faces the toughest test of his promising heavyweight boxing career this weekend. Itauma faces Tyson Fury‘s former rival, Dillian Whyte, in a pivotal heavyweight matchup.
Ahead of fight night, Whyte’s trainer Buddy McGirt raised eyebrows during a recent interview. McGirt claimed he hasn’t watched any film from Itauma’s fights ahead of this weekend, despite Itauma’s heavyweight knockout highlight reel attracting a lot of attention in the sport.
Itauma believes McGirt showed his cards as he questioned his seriousness ahead of the Whyte fight.
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Moses Itauma questions trainer Buddy McGirt’s claims ahead of Dillian Whyte fight
In a recent interview with Ring Magazine, Itauma reacted to McGirt’s remarks.
“Buddy McGirt, when he was fighting did he study fighters? I imagine he probably did. So why is it now that you’re coaching somebody and you won’t study them,” Itauma said.
“It’s because there’s no, I don’t want to say accountability, but it’s like he’s not there in the ring taking the punches. So he’s going to be okay with not studying the fighters because there’s no urgency from his side.
“He’s not taking the damage.”
Itauma has showcased elite knockout power during his young boxing career. 10 of Itauma’s 12 professional wins have ended by knockout.
Whyte will be the significantly more experienced fighter this weekend when he and Itauma meet in the ring. McGirt’s comments could be due to Whyte’s vast experience level, competing against a variety of styles during his career.
Whyte has competed against knockout artists like Anthony Joshua, Alexander Povetkin, and Joseph Parker during his career. But Itauma presents a unique challenge with his youth, speed, and technique at heavyweight.
Moses Itauma could get Oleksandr Usyk fight with KO this weekend
If Itauma is victorious, particularly in knockout fashion, he could present an intriguing test for undisputed heavyweight champ Oleksandr Usyk. Usyk is fresh off a knockout win over Daniel Dubois, and is seeking new blood for his next heavyweight title defense.
Itauma, who has drawn comparisons to Mike Tyson during his career, could be Usyk’s next fight if he defeats Whyte this weekend. Itauma will narrowly miss on challenging Tyson’s all-time record as the youngest heavyweight champ.
Whyte presents a steep challenge for Itauma in his latest heavyweight chapter, and he’ll look to earn a potential undisputed title shot with a victory.