A former world champion does not want to see Dillian Whyte in the ring with the 20-year-old sensation.
Moses Itauma is accelerating his career as the heavyweight division’s next star, and a win over Whyte is expected to be his announcement to the championship scene that he is here to take over.
Some critics of the young fighter claim that Itauma has ‘no chin’ and cast doubt over his world title hopes, but the prospect’s response to those who have questioned him is to watch his August 16th performance.
‘The Body Snatcher’ is an established name among the British heavyweight division, with him facing all the big names such as Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua in memorable domestic dust-ups.
Former world champion makes Dillian Whyte retirement claim before Moses Itauma clash
However, he has lost the marquee matchups and, since the Fury loss in 2022, has fought lower-level competition.
Former world champion ‘Showtime’ Shawn Porter is well aware of his recent record and has admitted his feelings towards the Brixton boxer stepping into the ring against the newest sensation of the sport.
Speaking on his podcast, Porter was stern in his opinion of the fight’s outcome and the 37-year-old’s career.
He said: “This kid gets past Dillian Whyte, respect to Dillian Whyte. I’m known for retiring fighters. I retired Dillian Whyte in my mind about three years ago.
“But respectfully, the dude probably should have been retired closer to five years ago.”
The American hung up the gloves himself after a loss to the pound-for-pound great Terence Crawford in 2021 and has since become a respected pundit on all things boxing.
His reasoning behind the retirement admission was not driven by dislike of the fighter but rather care for his health after a 37-fight career in the biggest division.
“What we’re going to get from Dillian Whyte on fight night is the big overhands and the big hooks. He’s a classic heavyweight fighter,” he said.
“I just don’t want him taking those heavyweight shots anymore. You’re taking a heavyweight punch in a 10-oz glove on the major stage, and I don’t like it.”
Dillian Whyte’s trainer makes a surprising revelation about the Moses Itauma
After back-to-back stoppage wins over Ebenezer Tetteh and Christian Hammer, no one is exactly sure how much the old juggernaut, Whyte, has left in the tank.
Although according to his trainer, Buddy McGirt, the more experienced fighter himself does not know what kind of competitor he is going to face in the ring.
When asked by DAZN what he thought about the prospect, he replied: “I’m going to be 1000% honest with you, I’ve never seen Moses fight, so I don’t really know what he’s ready for. He’s got to bring it all.
“I said ‘Dill, listen, what does this kid do that you haven’t already seen. But can that kid ask the same question?’
“Moses is a good young prospect; we’re working every day like we’re fighting for the world title.”
It is a surprising claim for a trainer to make just one week shy of fight night against a dangerous prospect.