“If I Lose, I’m 20—If I Win, I’m Champion”: Moses Itauma Outlines His Logic Behind Chasing Usyk

Moses Itauma says the rationale he needs to struggle  Oleksandr Usyk for his undisputed heavyweight championship is that it’s a “win-win’ for him. Itauma factors out that there’s no draw back to going up towards the unbeaten champion.

If he loses, he’s obtained a built-in excuse of being 20 years outdated. A victory makes him the brand new four-belt heavyweight champion of the world. It’s the right scenario for Itauma if he can get the possibility to struggle Usyk earlier than he retires.

Avoiding Sanchez: Sensible or Scared?

That’s why it’s essential that Itauma not struggle somebody proficient like Frank Sanchez, who might doubtlessly beat him, and mess up the Usyk struggle. Apparently, Itauma says he didn’t flip down the struggle towards Sanchez not too long ago for an IBF title eliminator. He states that he wasn’t one of many three names that have been supplied to him by his promoters.

Itauma didn’t clarify why Sanchez’s identify was left off the record, but it surely’s comprehensible why he wouldn’t be included. He’s too completely different from the opposition that Itauma has been combating since he turned professional in 2023.

“I don’t know if it’s Efe Ajgba or Frank Sanchez. They wasn’t in that record of three names,” mentioned Moses Itauma to Boxing King Media, arguing that he didn’t flip down Frank Sanchez.

“There’s a win-win scenario with Usyk. If I am going in there and win, I’m the heavyweight champion of the world. If I am going in there and I lose, I’ve simply misplaced to Usyk, who’s the champion of the world, and I’m 20 years outdated. So, it’s a win-win scenario.”

There’s no upside for Usyk to defend towards Itauma, given his age and inexperience. It could be a unique story if Itauma’s promoters had pulled the set off on a struggle towards Frank Sanchez (25-1, 18 KOs), however that may have concerned taking an enormous threat with their prize.

Followers Keep in mind, Hype Doesn’t Overlook

Sanchez is a large puncher with each fingers, and his hand pace rivals Itauma’s. It’d even be superior to him. Sanchez has in depth expertise from being a part of the Cuban nationwide novice crew. If he uncovered Itauma, followers wouldn’t neglect, and it could be tough for him to be rebuilt by his promoters at Queensberry.

Even when they fed Moses tomato cans, followers would have the reminiscence of his loss to Sanchez burned into their minds. It may be unattainable to refurbish Itauma. However in case you keep away from Sanchez, there’s no drawback, which seems to be the case.

The Good Setup for a Payday

Moses forgot to say the largest motive why it’s a “win-win” for him to struggle Usyk. The payday would doubtless be super, significantly if Turki Alalshikh is concerned and the one paying for the purses. Not solely would it not not be an enormous deal if Itauma is outclassed and uncovered as hype, however the purse can be monumental.

Ideally, Itauma ought to show himself towards the highest heavyweights to earn a title shot towards the undisputed champion Usyk. That doesn’t look like taking place. Itauma is being fed one outdated man after one other. There’s no actual improvement happening with him.

Itauma’s Final Six Opponents:

Dillian Whyte: 37
Mike Balogun: 41
Demsey McKean:34
Mariusz Wach: 45
Ilja Mezencev: 29
Dan Garber: 40

Since 2015, Olly Campbell has introduced readers a transparent ringside perspective and a gentle voice on boxing’s greatest nights.