A British heavyweight is unsure of Moses Itauma’s chances of becoming a world champion within the year.
Itauma has risen to prominence as Britain’s future world heavyweight champion, being positioned to take over from Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury to mark the end of their era in the sport’s glamour division.
Already believed to be the ‘real deal’ by a title challenger, the 20-year-old faces his biggest test as a professional when he steps into the ring against Dillian Whyte on August 16th in his first primetime main event slot.
As the WBO’s number one-ranked contender, he could find himself in line for a shot at the world heavyweight title if Oleksandr Usyk vacates to potentially set up a clash between himself and mandatory challenger Joseph Parker.
A British heavyweight does not think Moses Itauma can become champion within the year
However, with Usyk’s next move up in the air, questions have been raised over whether the prospect will be able to handle the significant jump to world level after his contest with Whyte.
Heavyweight Dave Allen is one of those questioning the credentials of the young fighter in a recent video on the main event in Saudi Arabia.
When asked to disagree or agree with the statement ‘Moses Itauma will be world champion within the year,’ he disagreed with the statement.
In the First Round TV video, he explained: “Within the year is pretty soon. He’s not boxed anybody yet, not boxed anyone inside the top 50. You’ve still got Dubois, still got Fury.
“These are all going to be around for the next 12 months. So I can’t see him being a champion anytime soon.”
Allen also hit back at comments from other participants about Moses Itauma’s amateur record, pointing out that while he may have been undefeated, he never competed as a senior.
While he thinks he may be able to win a world championship later down the line, ‘The White Rhino’ wants to see more from him in his next bout to prove it.
He said: “I think he could, but he hasn’t been hit back. He hasn’t been pushed hard. He hasn’t gone the rounds.
“He hasn’t really boxed anyone above domestic level. So, it’s a guessing game. He’s got the talent, but there’s more questions than answers.”
Dave Allen predicts Moses Itauma vs Dillian Whyte, believes Whyte will ‘surprise’ fans
While he may have some questions over credentials, the Doncaster fighter has picked the starboy to be victorious in good fashion.
Speaking to SecondsOut, the 33-year-old also believed that ‘The Body Snatcher’ may have more left than people think.
“I have to pick an Itauma win because I think it is just the right time for him. (Frank) Warren doesn’t get his matchmaking wrong that often,” Allen said.
“He has a lot of experience, he can punch, I wouldn’t be surprised if Whyte puts up a very good performance… I think it will be a harder fight than people think.
A ‘mid to late stoppage’ for ‘The Wrecking Ball’ was his final say on the outcome, and he thinks that if he can put on a spectacular performance, the fan-favourite will start to believe he can go ‘all the way’.