Moses Itauma is looking to increase his level of competition and remain active to set up a world title shot in 2026.
The British heavyweight has made a huge impression in the blue-riband division, earning comparisons to icon Mike Tyson.
Itauma will now miss out on Tyson’s record
As a teenager, Itauma had set a goal of becoming the youngest-ever heavyweight world champion, a record held by Tyson.
‘Iron Mike’ secured that status with a victory at the age of just 20, beating Trevor Berbick in 1986.
The Briton looked to be on course to break that, getting some big wins under his belt while moving quickly.But it is now out of reach, having reached the age of 20, and his next fight pencilled in for May, after the deadline needed to seal the record.
And his promoter Francis Warren insists focus is now in building his reputation and record, to grow into the heavyweight superstar he has been tipped to become.
“We’ve had a five month lay-off as something big didn’t quite materialise in May,” Warren said during an appearance with the heavyweight himself on talkBOXING.
“It’s not going to be all fireworks for the next one [on the Josh Taylor vs Ekow Essuman bill on May 24].
“The aim of the game is to get back in the swing of things, and there will be a couple of fights before the end of July.
“Then hopefully we will have one before Christmas or maybe even two. So three or four fights this year.”On the calibre of opponent Itauma could meet, Warren added: “It’s our job to advise him best as to when the world title moment is.”
Itauma wants to keep active in 2025 and has four fights up his sleeveCredit: Getty”We need to make sure each opponent is one that gets him to the best position to prepare for it.
“There are fights out there that I believe will give him the rounds.”Otto Wallin, Jermaine Franklin, Michael Hunter, people of that ilk who will give him a challenge.
“Itauma then even added: “Joe Joyce, he was recently beaten by Filip Hrgovic, but I think he’d give me rounds.
”The young 20-year-old has the world at his feet and has already produced sensational form in his professional career to date.He has 11 victories from his first 11 bouts, which includes a one-round demolition of Demsey McKean on the undercard of Oleksandr Usyk’s rematch win over Tyson Fury.
Itauma believes he is the best in the world, but needs time to show itCredit: GettyBig things have been planned for Itauma, who has sparred with the likes of Anthony Joshua and Fury.
Many in the boxing fraternity believe the sensation is already equipped to mix it at world level.And the 20-year-old believes he is on top of the world right now but wants to go to the trenches in longer fights.He concluded: “In my opinion, my skillset with my ring IQ and what I display in the ring, I think I’m the best in the world.
“But I haven’t displayed it in the later rounds, and that is what I want to get ticked off.”We are just looking at the fights to get me into the later rounds, that’s all I want right now.”
