Tyson has sent a word of advice to Moses Itauma as the young Brit continues his rise in the heavyweight division.
Itauma has answered every question asked of him so far, beating Dillian Whyte and Jermaine Franklin most recently to cement his status as one of the most promising rising stars in the sport.
Speaking to IFL TV, Fury – who has had Itauma in for sparring – built on the praise that he has been giving for ‘four years’.
“I have had Moses in four or five camps and he is a good kid. Good puncher, good speed, good boxing IQ, he listens, which is very important, he takes it all on board and he is a good learner, as well.
“He has got speed and athleticism, he is definitely the real deal, if he wasn’t then I would say, but don’t forget that I am the one who has gassed him up for the last four years.
The two-time heavyweight champion from Morecambe did, however, point out that Itauma has a long way to go and big hurdles to overcome to reach the top, using the example of Jared Anderson, at one time Itauma’s transatlantic counterpart, and his knockout loss to Martin Bakole.
“Long way to go. Just the first hurdle. How long’s he been a pro? About three years? I don’t know if he’s won any titles, the British? Has he won anything like that, no? Listen, I’d say he’s definitely star of the future, but, as of today, he hasn’t won anything.
“I remember there was a guy called Jared Anderson in America, also a rising star, beating by Martin Bakole because [he was put] in too soon. It can happen with anybody. He’s only a human being – clip him on the chin, he’s going over. Anyone gets hit properly, they’re going over.And, at 21, you don’t have the toughness you do at 31. So, match him too soon and you get found out.”
Finally, Fury sent the following advice:
“I’ve told Moses personally, no matter how fast the promoters want to push you, you’ve only got one career. Take your time, kid.”
