After wiping the floor with
Dillian Whyte,
Moses Itauma is being mentioned as a viable opponent for
Oleksandr Usyk, the heavyweight division’s undisputed champion.
Some, including Itauma, like the idea of taking on the future Hall of Famer. Others, however, believe the 20-year-old contender has lost his mind.
“Way too soon,” Lennox Lewis said on Sky Sports Boxing. “It’s better to wait. Just wait until he retires, then take your shot. He’s not gonna be around too long.”
As Lewis indicated, Usyk (24-0, 15 KOs) might sail off into the sunset relatively soon. The 38-year-old former undisputed cruiserweight champion has stated on numerous occasions that he only has a handful of fights left in him, one of which was recently used on
knocking out Daniel Dubois in the fifth round of their rematch July 19 in London.Most are clamoring for Itauma to get his shot, but
Joseph Parker barked at that narrative. It wasn’t until recently, however, that he essentially removed himself from the equation.
As previously reported by The Ring, the former heavyweight beltholder and current WBO interim titlist is inching closer to a deal to take on
Fabio Wardley later this year.
If that becomes a reality, Itauma (13-0, 11 KOs) could get the call after knocking out Whyte in the first round August 16 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. He is ranked No. 1 by the WBO and would love to face the unbeaten Ukrainian before he hangs up his gloves.
Lewis, though, who was inducted into the Hall of Fame in his first year of eligibility in 2009, thinks he should slow down.
Lewis undoubtedly believed he was the best in his day. And while he understands
where Itauma is coming from, he believes the end result could be disastrous.
“If you’re rushed, you are going to do a bad result for your career,” Lewis said. “It’s better to take your time.”