Despite his young age, British prospect Moses Itauma has already convinced many experts that he could become the future ruler of the heavyweight division. However, while some would already like to see him face the undisputed champion Oleksandr Usyk in a fascinating intergenerational clash, Lennox Lewis doesn’t share the same view. The former world champion has instead advised caution to his young compatriot.
Here’s what Lewis told Itauma in an interview with Sky Sports:
“It’s way too soon. It’s better to wait until he retires. He [Usyk]’s not going to stay around too long, and then take your shot. There’s no use doing it now. Right now you’re learning. You’re learning everything and you have to wait for the right time. You can never be rushed. If you’re rushed, you’re going to do a bad result for your career, so it’s better to take your time and take it when it’s ready, when you’re ready.”
Lewis has more than once been wrong in his predictions, forecasting a Usyk defeat that never came. For instance, on the eve of the first clash between the Ukrainian and Tyson Fury, he stated that a good big man always beats a good small man. More recently, he once again underestimated the champion, predicting a Daniel Dubois triumph at Wembley before the July 19 rematch.
Evidently, with victory after victory, Usyk has convinced Lewis of his greatness, and now the former heavyweight ruler seems resigned to the idea that none of his countrymen will be able to dethrone him.
In any case, talk of an immediate clash between Usyk and Itauma remains nothing more than speculation. Recent statements from Frank Warren suggest that Britain’s rising star could be back in the ring in December, with Croatian Filip Hrgovic currently looking like the most likely opponent.