Moses Itauma is grateful for Oleksandr Usyk’s reward, however would nonetheless wish to struggle the unified heavyweight world champion.
Itauma is barely 20 years previous however has so impressed in his speedy rise by means of the ranks that even Usyk has recognized the Briton as a possible successor as a future heavyweight world champion.
“When I hear something like that, normally I push it to the side,” Itauma informed Sky Sports activities. “It does me no favours if I listen to it, so I kind of have to block it out.
“However when he says one thing like that, that actually caught my consideration, solely as a result of he has accomplished completely every thing you possibly can on this sport.
“About to do it thrice over if he will get the struggle with Daniel [Dubois for the undisputed crown]. So for him to say that may be very massive and I admire Usyk and I am undoubtedly a fan of his. However him saying that, that is massive. That really means one thing.
“Because he knows. He knows the talent. It takes talent to see talent and I think he knows.”
Talking to Sky Sports activities at Park Chinois, Itauma added: “I am not doing it for Usyk’s reward. I am doing it for myself and my household.
“But at the same time, I definitely appreciate that. I need to go and prove that right now. That’s putting big pressures on my shoulders.”
Itauma has excessive expectations of himself. After blazing by means of Demsey McKean inside the primary spherical in his final contest, the rising star believes he’s two fights – “two proper fights” – away from boxing for a world title himself.
Usyk has beforehand informed Sky Sports activities that he expects to solely field twice extra in his profession. It means he’s unlikely to cross paths with Itauma straight.
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May now we have been witnessing a future heavyweight champion in Itauma after his emphatic first-round stoppage win over McKean?
The younger Briton thinks Usyk will struggle IBF titlist Daniel Dubois after which Joseph Parker. “But I want it to be Dubois and me. That would be good,” Itauma stated.
“Just to say that I’ve shared the ring with him would be nice. Because I’ve shared the ring with Dubois [in sparring], I’ve shared the ring with [Anthony] Joshua, I’ve shared the ring with [Martin] Bakole, [Joe] Joyce, Tyson [Fury]. The only person I haven’t is Usyk, so that would be nice to share the ring with him – whether it’s sparring or fighting.”
