MOSES ITAUMA – a precocious talent, poised to take the world by storm – is widely expected to breeze past Dillian Whyte, a seasoned but perhaps faded veteran, this Saturday.
The pair will collide in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, in what appears to be an expert piece of matchmaking, designed by Queensberry promoter Frank Warren to orchestrate the perfect coming out party for Itauma, 12-0 (10 KOs).
And regardless of it taking place on away soil, the Brit should nonetheless announce himself as a future household name in his most meaningful outing thus far.
At the same time, though, it is worth considering just how their heavyweight contest – without the magical touch of a genie, that is – could develop into a remotely competitive spectacle.
Moses Itauma – Keys to Victory
Athleticism
The raw explosiveness of Itauma is truly a sight to behold, not least because of the lightning speed that is generated from each, almost terrifyingly vicious, attack.
Along with that, the fluid movement of Itauma, making it seem that he has endless time to set up each offensive effort, offers yet another example of his natural athleticism.
The athletic capabilities of Whyte, 31-3 (21 KOs), meanwhile, pale in comparison to that of the 20-year-old, almost mirroring the level of contrast that is reached when comparing a galloping gazelle – seamless with every stride – to Bambi on ice.
Counterpunching prowess
Away from his blistering bursts into range, Itauma possesses a keen eye for the sweet science which, as the years fly by, can only develop into a more tangible component of his all-round package.
His vision to identify openings for counters, in particular, should introduce Whyte, a somewhat static mover at the best of times, to a hellacious night at the office.
When considering Whyte’s pedestrian display against Ebenezer Tetteh, too, one can only suspect that Itauma’s more dynamic movement will enhance the potency behind each counter.
Ice-cool demeanour
Much has been made of the fact that this is Itauma’s first main event slot, and that he should therefore experience an added degree of pressure.
But equally, the typically stoic puncher only ever seems to give off a care-free attitude, almost as if to say that, whatever happens, he will find a way to win.
That undeniable confidence, then, is something which can only benefit him come fight night, as even if Whyte does manage to ‘drag him into deep waters’, it remains difficult not to envision a world where Itauma still gets the job done.
Dillian Whyte – Keys to victory
Roughhouse tactics
The tactics that Whyte used against Joseph Parker, back when he practically body slammed the New Zealander against the ropes in 2018, could offer him a slight chance of getting his hand raised this Saturday.
Itauma is, after all, yet to experience the full wrath of a heavyweight slugger who, while utilising his considerable frame, will often orchestrate a somewhat ugly affair that remains devoid of any real technique.
This, indeed, appears to be Whyte’s most obvious key to victory, especially if he is able to successfully disrupt the fluid rhythm of his opponent.
Experience
Whyte, as we have now heard countless times, has faced a selection of the most elite heavyweights that this era has to offer.
It just so happens, though, that three of those fighters – Tyson Fury, Alexander Povetkin and Anthony Joshua – were able to deliver three knockouts, devastating enough to leave Whyte lying flat on his back.
That said, the 37-year-old should now be acutely aware of his limitations, particularly his vulnerability to crushing uppercuts, and, as a result, have an idea of how to protect himself, as best he can, against Itauma.
Training camp
Rather intelligently, Whyte has based his camps out in Portugal over the past few years, away from all the distractions and responsibilities that may come with remaining in the UK.
It just so happens, too, that ‘The Body Snatcher’ boasts a glittering new licence with the Texas Department of Licencing and Regulation, perhaps wishing to enhance his international identity as a fighter.
But his training, of course, is what truly matters, especially when considering that, if he is to drag Itauma into deep waters, then his gas tank could ultimately emerge as a decisive factor.
