Dillian Whyte’s trainer has now responded to criticisms of his surprising claim ahead of the August 16th fight.
This clash in Saudi Arabia between Moses Itauma and ‘The Body Snatcher’ is being marketed as a changing of the guard at heavyweight as the prospect is looking to cement his place in the division with a win over a seasoned veteran.
The majority of predictions from fellow boxers have sided with the youth and talent of Itauma, as even a former world champion admitted Dillian should have considered retirement.
While a fighter should never be counted out, the factors heading into the bout stack up against the Brixton boxer purely due to age and recent performances against below world-level heavyweights like Christian Hammer.
Dillian Whyte’s trainer responds to critics of his surprise Moses Itauma claim
The performances of the 20-year-old are the reason fans believe he can achieve heavyweight title status, but ahead of Itauma vs Whyte, Dillian’s trainer has admitted he has never seen Itauma fight.
During a promotional video for the fight, coach Buddy McGirt surprised fans when he admitted he had not watched any tape of ‘The Wrecking Ball’ heading into the clash.
When asked by Pro Boxing Fans about the claim and how he felt about the criticisms, McGirt delivered a very blunt response.
He said: “Let me ask you a question. He’s knocked everybody out. So, what is there to watch? I mean, some people don’t think he knocked everybody out. So, what am I going to watch? Knockouts? What am I going to learn from him by watching him knock people out?
“But is there video of him going through an eight-round fight where he’s got to make adjustments.
“No, there’s no tape of that.”
The Kent boxer has only gone the six-round distance twice in his career, which was before his link-up with new coach Ben Davison, who believes the star will ‘surprise’ fans in a dog fight, if it comes to that.
It is unusual for a coach not to study a fighter before devising a game plan, but he stated that it does not matter because they are preparing as if it were a ‘world title’ fight.
Dillian Whyte’s trainer picks out the key to tackling the task of Moses Itauma
As there are not enough rounds to analyse in detail, there is one key element Buddy thinks they can take from this lack of footage.
One thing the 37-year-old competitor is known for is having wars with big heavyweights and holding his own against the likes of Joseph Parker or Derek Chisora.
This experience is the basis for the whole ten rounds against the young star.
He continued: “That’s the key, man. We’ve got to take him out to sea. You know what I’m saying? We can’t come out there and try to gun him out early. That won’t make any sense.
“We’ve got to take him out to sea. We’ve got to get him out there in the middle of the ocean.”
It is expected that the Londoner will not be as heavy as in previous fights with his two return bouts, seeing him weigh in well over 245 lbs, which will help him maintain his gas tank over the distance.