Moses Itauma vs. Kubrat Pulev: A Rising Star Meets a Veteran
Moses Itauma, a prominent young heavyweight boxer, is set to potentially face seasoned fighter Kubrat Pulev in the near future. Currently holding the ‘Regular’ championship title from the WBA, Pulev has been mandated to defend his belt against the 20-year-old talent, who turned professional at just 18 years old in 2023.
Promoter’s Confidence
Promoter Frank Warren has expressed confidence in securing this fight, particularly as many top heavyweights have previously declined to face Itauma.
“If Pulev is ready to take the fight now that it has been ordered, we will definitely be chasing that matchup. It presents a fantastic opportunity for both fighters,”
Warren remarked in an interview with BBC Sport.
Itauma’s Impressive Record
Itauma’s last bout occurred in August 2023, where he achieved a stunning victory, finishing former world title contender Dillian Whyte within the first round. This win contributed to his impressive record of 13 fights and 11 knockouts, solidifying his status as a rising star in the heavyweight division.
Future Plans
Looking ahead, Team Itauma is eyeing a potential fight scheduled for December, coinciding with a planned card in Manchester featuring notable heavyweight Derek Chisora. Beyond Pulev, Itauma has been linked to various other competitors including Filip Hrgovic, Michael Hunter, and domestic rival David Adeleye, as the team seeks to build his experience, having only accumulated 26 rounds within the ring thus far.
Pulev’s Experience
In contrast, Pulev, at the age of 44, is a seasoned veteran with a record that includes 35 bouts and two attempts at world titles, falling short against Anthony Joshua in 2020 and Wladimir Klitschko in 2014. While Warren is enthusiastic about Itauma’s progress, he tempered expectations regarding immediate encounters with elite opponents such as Oleksandr Usyk, suggesting a more measured approach is necessary for Itauma’s development.
“Our focus is to find the right fights at the right time for him. After 47 years in boxing, I can confidently say that at just 20, he’s the most impressive young talent I’ve had the privilege to work with, eclipsing even most of the top fighters throughout the years,”
Warren concluded.
Conclusion
As boxing fans eagerly await the upcoming fights, Itauma’s trajectory in the heavyweight scene is certainly one to watch closely.
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