Tony Bellew, the former world champion, has shared his thoughts on a potential clash between rising heavyweight sensation Moses Itauma and the reigning boxing icon Tyson Fury. While boxing fans continue to debate whether the young fighter could upset one of the division’s most dominant champions, Bellew’s assessment was firm and unequivocal.
In an exclusive discussion with Pundit Arena, Bellew stated that a knockout by Itauma against Fury is simply “not happening,” highlighting the vast experience gap and strategic brilliance of the British heavyweight superstar. His comments have sparked renewed conversation across boxing circles about Itauma’s current standing and future potential.
Moses Itauma: The Rising Heavyweight Star
At just 20 years old, Moses Itauma is already making waves in the boxing world. With an unblemished record of 13 wins, including 11 knockouts, Itauma has earned a reputation as a powerful finisher who doesn’t waste time inside the ring.
What sets Itauma apart is his aggression and efficiency. Of his 11 knockouts, nine came inside the first two rounds, showcasing his explosive power and ability to capitalize on early opportunities. His most recent performance was particularly impressive: Itauma defeated a former world title challenger and a contender for Dillian Whyte, stopping him inside two minutes.
After that win, Itauma confidently stated he was ready for a challenge against two-time undisputed champion Oleksandr Usyk. While that fight may not materialize immediately, many in the boxing community see him as a talent capable of testing even the division’s elite fighters, including Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury.
David Haye Backs Moses Itauma
Former heavyweight champion David Haye has been vocal about Itauma’s potential. Haye believes that Itauma could compete with top heavyweights, including Fury and Joshua, although he noted the Ukrainian champion Usyk might be a tougher test.
Hayes’s endorsement adds weight to the growing narrative that Itauma is a serious prospect in the heavyweight division. His combination of youth, power, and tactical acumen makes him a fighter to watch, even if some experts, like Bellew, remain skeptical about his ability to topple the very best.
Tony Bellew’s Take on a Moses Itauma vs Tyson Fury Fight
Tony Bellew, who has firsthand experience against some of the division’s best, offered a cautious perspective on a potential Itauma vs Fury matchup.
“Nobody is knocking out Tyson Fury,” Bellew said. “I just don’t think Tyson would even entertain it. I don’t see the point of making a prediction. Nobody would ever knock him out. He’s too long in the tooth. He’s too smart. He’s clever. He’s got so many different attributes to use to negate what you do well. Just look at the size of Tyson Fury compared to Moses Itauma.”
Bellew highlighted the importance of experience, skill, and tactical intelligence at the elite level. He also drew comparisons with Usyk, emphasizing that while Itauma may share a similar size, the Ukrainian is among the best of his generation.
“And I know people will say that Itauma is a similar size to Oleksandr Usyk. But you’re talking about possibly one of the greatest boxers of this generation. You cannot compare Moses Itauma to Oleksandr Usyk. I don’t think you’ll ever be able to compare anyone to Oleksandr Usyk. This guy reigned supreme at cruiserweight, went all around the world defeating them, smacking everyone’s ass, including mine. He then goes to heavyweights and does the exact same again.”
Bellew’s comments underscore the challenge that young heavyweights face when stepping up to fight seasoned champions. Fury’s size, skill, and ring IQ make him an exceptionally difficult opponent, even for a fast-rising prospect like Itauma.
Boxing Experts Weigh In on Itauma’s Potential
While Bellew is skeptical about a potential knockout, other voices in the boxing world are more optimistic. Many analysts see Itauma’s youth and explosive power as reasons to believe he could trouble established champions.
Some experts point to his quick starts in fights as a major asset. Nine of his knockouts have come in the first two rounds, demonstrating that he can overwhelm opponents before they have time to settle into a fight. This characteristic makes him a dangerous opponent for anyone, even seasoned heavyweights like Fury, if caught off-guard.
However, the consensus among analysts is that experience and tactical nous often outweigh raw power in high-stakes matchups. Tyson Fury, with his unorthodox style and defensive acumen, is one of the few fighters capable of neutralizing a young, powerful opponent.
Moses Itauma’s Path Forward
Despite the skepticism from figures like Bellew, Itauma’s team is focused on carefully managing his career. Reports suggest that the young fighter is struggling to secure opponents for his December return, with Jermaine Franklin and Filip Hrgovic reportedly uninterested.
This highlights a common challenge for rising stars: finding credible opponents to continue development while avoiding unnecessary risks. Itauma’s team is likely weighing options to ensure he continues to grow as a fighter without jeopardizing his perfect record.
As Itauma continues his journey, analysts expect him to face a series of progressively tougher opponents, building experience before taking on elite-level fighters. This measured approach mirrors the paths of other successful heavyweights who eventually reached championship status.
The Heavyweight Landscape and Itauma’s Role
The current heavyweight division is both competitive and star-studded. Fighters like Tyson Fury, Anthony Joshua, and Oleksandr Usyk dominate the top tier, while younger prospects like Moses Itauma represent the next generation of potential champions.
Itauma’s combination of youth, knockout power, and aggressive style makes him a particularly exciting prospect. Even if he cannot defeat a fighter of Fury’s caliber right now, his rise in the division is inevitable if he continues to develop his skills and gain experience.
Boxing enthusiasts are closely watching how Itauma navigates the heavyweight ladder. Every win adds to his profile and increases anticipation for a potential clash with the division’s elite.
Can Moses Itauma Challenge Tyson Fury?
Tony Bellew’s assessment is clear: Itauma is not in a position to knock out Tyson Fury at this point in time. Fury’s combination of size, experience, and tactical brilliance creates a significant barrier that even a powerful young fighter like Itauma cannot easily overcome.
However, this does not diminish Itauma’s potential. Young heavyweights often learn and grow rapidly, and a few key victories could position him for a competitive showdown in the future. Analysts agree that while a knockout of Fury may be unlikely, a competitive performance could still elevate Itauma’s status and open doors for bigger fights.
The Future of Moses Itauma in Heavyweight Boxing
Looking ahead, Moses Itauma’s career trajectory seems promising. With an undefeated record, a reputation for quick knockouts, and the backing of respected figures like David Haye, he is one of the most talked-about prospects in the division.
Itauma’s next fights will be crucial in shaping his legacy. Choosing opponents strategically, gaining experience against diverse fighting styles, and refining his defensive skills will determine how quickly he can move up the heavyweight ladder.
While a showdown with Tyson Fury may not be imminent, the possibility of facing other elite fighters remains realistic. As he matures, both physically and mentally, Itauma could become a significant contender for heavyweight titles in the coming years.
Tony Bellew’s Reality Check and Itauma’s Potential
Tony Bellew has delivered a reality check for fans dreaming of a Moses Itauma knockout over Tyson Fury, emphasizing Fury’s unmatched experience and skill set. While Itauma’s youth and knockout ability make him a thrilling prospect, the gap between rising talent and established champions remains clear.
Nevertheless, Moses Itauma represents the future of heavyweight boxing. With careful career management, continued success in the ring, and gradual steps toward elite competition, he could eventually challenge the very best.
For now, fans can watch as Itauma hones his craft, racks up victories, and continues to generate excitement in the heavyweight division. While a Fury matchup may be a long-term dream, the journey to reach that level promises to be compelling and full of explosive action.
