Boxxer promoter Ben Shalom believes he has the man to beat Moses Itauma, putting an end to the heavyweight prodigy’s ruthless run of scintillating knockouts.
As a result, the Chatham man will instead collide with Franklin on March 28, hoping to be the first man to stop the durable customer who, most notably, has previously lost to Anthony Joshua and Dillian Whyte.
But while Itauma may encounter his toughest test thus far as a professional, there is equally a chance that Martin Bakole may introduce him to an even harsher assignment later this year.
Boxxer boss Shalom has admitted to feeling frustrated over a missed opportunity for Bakole to face Itauma – which was discussed towards the end of last year – but hopes their potential clash can soon be revisited.
The 34-year-old has not fought since his controversial draw with Efe Ajagba in May, when many felt he was fortunate to not suffer a third professional loss.
Prior to that, the Congolese giant stepped in on just two days’ notice to face Joseph Parker in February, hitting the scales at a staggering 310lbs before finding himself on the receiving end of an emphatic second-round finish.
While speaking with Boxing News and other reporters, Shalom teased that Bakole could finally return to action in the not too distant future.
“It’s been frustrating for us. We fought Parker, Efe Ajagba, were offered [Filip] Hrgovic in August, had the opportunity to fight Moses… Again, Martin will take anything, [but] people around him have to accept the fights as well.
“I do believe he has the talent to be the best heavyweight in the world, but has he prepared in the way that he [should have done] for the last couple of fights? No.
“Hopefully we will have news on [Bakole] soon. I like the Moses fight. I think he can beat Moses. I think he can beat anyone on his day.”
It remains to be seen whether Bakole is still a viable option for Itauma, who must first take care of business against Franklin in over two months’ time.
