ON SATURDAY night in Riyadh, Itauma puts his reputation, undefeated record, and WBO number one contender status on the line against seasoned campaigner Dillian Whyte. Such has been Itauma’s meteoric rise that many expect the 20-year-old to become a world champion sooner rather than later.
Whyte, 37, has already shared the ring with some of this era’s biggest names, including Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury, but presents a valuable litmus test for Itauma, who has just 25 professional rounds to his name compared to Whyte’s 192.
For all the hype surrounding Itauma (12-0, 10 KOs), the heavyweight division is currently ruled by undisputed champion Oleksandr Usyk – unbeaten in a 12-year professional career. The Ukrainian has won all four belts on three separate occasions: once at cruiserweight and twice at heavyweight. His most recent triumph came in July at Wembley Stadium, when he stopped Daniel Dubois in five rounds.
Speaking to Boxing News in Riyadh, Davison was asked whether Itauma would consider a fight with Usyk should he come through Whyte (31-3, 22 KOs).
“It’s not something that we’d straight away say no to — put it that way,” he replied.
Itauma’s blend of speed, power, and footwork has already won over many boxing experts. Despite having just 12 fights, Davison is convinced his fighter has the tools to match – and beat – an experienced champion like Usyk.
“He’s got the capabilities to,” Davison said. “He’s not the type of person who has to catch anybody at the right time. He’s got the capability to beat anybody in the world.”
One of Itauma’s most notable traits is his maturity beyond his years. The laid-back heavyweight appears unfazed by expectation, staying composed under pressure – a quality Davison believes is key to his rapid progress.
“He’s very cool, very calm, very mature – that’s part of the reason why he’s able to do what he’s doing at his age. Most people at 20 years old might get carried away with the expectation and all the stuff that people are saying, but it’s water off a duck’s back to him. He focuses on the right things.”
