Moses Itauma is thankful for the kind words from Oleksandr Usyk, but he remains focused on his goal to eventually fight the unified heavyweight champion.
Despite being only 20 years old, Itauma’s impressive progress in professional boxing has caught the attention of Usyk, who has mentioned the young Briton as a potential future heavyweight world champion.
Itauma mentioned in an interview with Sky Sports that he usually tries to disregard such praise to stay grounded. He believes focusing on external validation is not beneficial for him, so he prefers to block it out.
However, Usyk’s commendation was different and truly resonated with him, precisely because of Usyk’s remarkable achievements in boxing. Itauma acknowledges Usyk’s accomplishments and recognizes the weight of his words. He appreciates Usyk’s support, being a fan himself, and understands the significance of such recognition.
Itauma believes Usyk’s ability to recognize talent speaks volumes and indicates a genuine understanding of his potential.
Speaking further with Sky Sports, Itauma clarified that his drive is personal and for his family, not solely for external praise.
Yet, he values Usyk’s acknowledgement, understanding it brings added pressure to perform and prove himself worthy of such high expectations.
Itauma has set ambitious goals for himself. Following a swift victory over Demsey McKean in his latest fight, he confidently asserts that he is just two significant fights away from competing for a world title.
Usyk has previously indicated his plan to retire after just two more fights, making a direct clash with Itauma in the near future seem unlikely.
The young British boxer anticipates Usyk will first face Daniel Dubois, the IBF titleholder, and then possibly Joseph Parker. However, Itauma expressed his desire for a different scenario: a fight between Usyk, Dubois, and himself.
Itauma concluded by stating that simply sharing a ring with Usyk would be a valuable experience. He noted his past sparring sessions with Dubois, Anthony Joshua, Martin Bakole, Joe Joyce, and Tyson Fury, highlighting Usyk as the only top heavyweight champion he hasn’t yet shared the ring with, whether in sparring or a professional fight.
