AS a bundle of big fellas descend on Riyadh this Saturday evening, there is the potential for some heavy leather to fly with sizeable frames likely to hit the Saudi deck.
While Moses Itauma is busy putting the final things in place for his headline meeting with Dillian Whyte, the widely-assigned future heavyweight king has been giving his opinions on just about everything else.
Such topics included the outcome of the other heavy-hitting meet-up on Saturday 16th, between Filip Hrgovic and David Adeleye. Some people are giving the Londoner more than a puncher’s chance over the experienced Croat, especially after Adeleye’s one-round rout of Solomon Dacres. A controversial sixth-round KO of Jeamie Tshikeva followed that early blitz, adding to the narrative.
While admitting that he has no beef with Adeleye, Moses Itauma is giving his UK compatriot little hope of springing a surprise.
“I think you’re actually going to really see the difference of levels. David’s done a very good job of convincing people he’s a lot better than he is. And I don’t mean that disrespectfully, I think he’s a cool guy,” said Moses.
“I just think his boxing level isn’t as good as what people think. And that’s because he packs power, which kind of overshines the skill level. But when you’re actually there with a skilful guy who’s been in the ring with people that can punch, I think you’re going to really see the difference.”
That “difference of levels” is a natural nod to Hrgovic’s Olympic pedigree and pro boxing exploits. Stuttering several rungs down the ladder, Adeleye managed to sneak past Kamil Sokolowski and was later outboxed and dismantled by Fabio Wardley in his biggest test to date.
