Top trainer Robert Garcia has named a generational talent who, in his mind, will become the face of heavyweight boxing in the next few years.
As of now, Oleksandr Usyk is still widely regarded as the top dog, despite coming off a sub-par performance against former kickboxing champion Rico Verhoeven.
Nevertheless, the Ukrainian retained his WBC, IBF and WBA titles with an 11th-round stoppage last month, maintaining his position as the bona fide kind of his division.
Usyk cemented this status with two victories over Tyson Fury, Anthony Joshua and Daniel Dubois, respectively, crafting a resume that remains unrivalled in the current heavyweight era.
But now, at the age of 39, it seems the two-division undisputed champion could soon be replaced by heavyweight prodigy Moses Itauma.
While yet to test himself at world level, Itauma is widely considered to be a world heavyweight champion in waiting, especially after his fifth-round stoppage of Jermaine Franklin in March.
As a leading contender with the WBO and WBA, the 21-year-old is now gearing up to defend his position against Filip Hrgovic, who he will face at London’s O2 Arena on August 29.
But while Hrgovic represents his toughest opponent thus far, at least on paper, coach Garcia has told Pro Box TV that he believes Itauma will ultimately rise to the challenge.
“I think Moses is ready for those fights. Even though he’s still pretty young, and a lot of people might think [the Hrgovic fight is] too soon, I don’t believe that. I think he’s ready.
“He’s that one fighter that comes every 20-30 years – a special talent. I think he will be the face of the heavyweight division in a few years.”
A win over Hrgovic would solidify Itauma as a genuine world-class contender, putting him in line for a major title shot.
