The world of heavyweight boxing, perpetually seeking its next undisputed monarch, has found itself captivated by a new, electrifying presence: Moses Itauma. At just 20 years old, this British sensation has not merely entered the professional ranks; he has stormed them with a ferocity that belies his tender age, compiling a pristine 13-0 record, with 11 of those victories ending via knockout. His recent, emphatic first-round stoppage of seasoned veteran Dillian Whyte in Saudi Arabia served not just as a win, but as a resounding declaration of intent. It was a statement so clear, it echoed across the globe: a new force has arrived, and he means business.
The question that now reverberates through boxing circles isn`t if Itauma is destined for greatness, but how quickly he will get there, and perhaps more importantly, who possesses the mettle to truly test his seemingly limitless potential. Trainer Ben Davison is meticulously guiding this destructive storm, as Itauma inches closer to the glittering prize of a world title. The journey demands a strategic dance with challenges, each designed to hone his craft and fortify his claim. Here, we dissect three compelling matchups that could define the next chapter of his remarkable ascent.
Filip Hrgovic: The Durable Croatian Wall
First on the list is Croatia`s formidable Filip Hrgovic. With an impressive 18-1 record, featuring 14 knockouts, Hrgovic presents a stern, perhaps even bruising, test for Itauma. He is not merely a gatekeeper; he is a well-regarded contender whose recent battles, including two gruelling twenty-round encounters against British stalwarts Joe Joyce and David Adeleye, have showcased his exceptional durability and granite chin. While his sole professional defeat came recently against Daniel Dubois, it has only intensified his resolve to reclaim his top-tier status.
For Itauma, a clash with Hrgovic offers invaluable insights. It’s an opportunity to gauge his stamina over extended rounds – a facet yet to be truly tested given his penchant for early finishes – and to assess his technical adaptability against a genuinely durable, experienced opponent. A decisive victory here would be more than just another win; it would be a powerful endorsement of Itauma`s ability to withstand and overcome top-tier challenges, propelling him significantly closer to the summit.
Jermaine Franklin: The American Measuring Stick
Any top British boxing star with world title aspirations inevitably sets sights on conquering the American market. For Moses Itauma, a journey across the Atlantic to face Jermaine Franklin, with his 23-2 record and 15 knockouts, represents a strategically astute move. Franklin is a seasoned American contender, known less for concussive power and more for his resilience and ability to go the distance. His back-to-back defeats against Dillian Whyte and Anthony Joshua, while losses, were telling: he took both elite heavyweights the full championship distance.
This characteristic makes Franklin an ideal “measuring stick.” For Itauma, a dominant stoppage victory over Franklin would not only significantly bolster his rapidly expanding resume but also provide a clear benchmark against other elite heavyweights. If Itauma can dispatch Franklin more decisively than Whyte or Joshua did, it would send a strong message across the international boxing landscape, enhancing his global profile and bringing him a step closer to the dizzying heights of the heavyweight division. (Of course, Franklin first has to navigate his own upcoming bout against Ivan Dychko, a minor detail in the grand scheme of a rising star`s ambitions).
Martin Bakole: The Congolese Conundrum
Once whispered about as the “bogeyman” of the heavyweight division, the Congolese giant Martin Bakole, with a record of 21-2-1 and 16 knockouts, offers a unique blend of formidable power and, lately, perplexing inconsistency. His career has seen a slight stall following a first-round stoppage loss to Joseph Parker (a fight reportedly taken on very short notice for a substantial payday) and a recent ten-round draw against Nigerian contender Efe Ajagba. These recent outings have, perhaps unfairly, raised questions about his conditioning and preparation, diminishing some of the aura that once surrounded him.
Nevertheless, Bakole remains a genuinely powerful and physically imposing opponent. His sheer size and knockout threat make him a dangerous proposition for any fighter. For Itauma, facing Bakole would be a baptism by fire, a chance to add a highly recognized, if currently enigmatic, name to his burgeoning record. It would be an opportunity to hone his defensive skills against a heavy-handed puncher and demonstrate his ability to neutralize a physically dominant adversary. A decisive stoppage victory over Bakole would serve as undeniable evidence that Itauma can not only handle but dominate the division`s true heavy hitters, potentially removing any lingering doubts and fully unleashing him to pursue a world championship with absolute confidence.
The Unstoppable Ascent
Moses Itauma`s trajectory is nothing short of meteoric. The boxing world eagerly watches, anticipating each move in his carefully orchestrated climb. Whether it`s the durability of Hrgovic, the resilience of Franklin, or the raw power of Bakole, each potential opponent represents a crucial rung on the ladder to heavyweight glory. The era of Moses Itauma is rapidly unfolding, and the spectacle of his journey promises to be one of the most compelling narratives in modern boxing. The “glamour division” has found its latest darling, and he`s not just knocking; he`s kicking down the door.
