Rising Heavyweight Prospect Faces Calls for a Defining Test

The rise of Moses Itauma has been one of the most exciting stories in modern boxing. The 20-year-old heavyweight sensation burst onto the professional scene in 2023, quickly establishing himself as a force to be reckoned with. Now sitting at 13-0 with 11 knockouts, fans and pundits are beginning to wonder who will provide the true test of his potential.

Former world champion Tony Bellew believes he has the answer: a clash with Andy Ruiz Jr, the man who shocked the boxing world in 2019 by handing Anthony Joshua his first professional defeat.

Tony Bellew’s Bold Suggestion

Bellew, known for his sharp insights and fearless opinions, has made it clear that Itauma must face an opponent who can take him deep into a fight.

“Moses has got to go past six rounds,” Bellew told Pundit Arena. “No one can be picking Moses against the top-level heavyweights if he hasn’t been past six rounds. I don’t doubt how good he is. I think he’s absolutely exceptional. But you will never know how good he is until he goes past six rounds.”

That’s why Bellew believes Andy Ruiz Jr would be the “perfect fight” for Itauma. Ruiz is no stranger to pulling off upsets, having stopped Joshua in the seventh round of their Madison Square Garden clash to claim the WBA, IBF, and WBO titles. For Bellew, Ruiz brings the right combination of durability, experience, and danger.

“I think Andy Ruiz throws enough shots. He comes to win. He ain’t lying down for nobody. I think that would be a really good fight to make,” Bellew added.

Why Andy Ruiz Jr Is the Ideal Opponent

The suggestion of Ruiz as Itauma’s next step isn’t random. It’s based on clear boxing logic:

• Proven World Champion: Ruiz Jr’s stunning victory over Anthony Joshua proved that he can compete at the very top level. Few heavyweights can claim to have toppled a unified champion in their prime.

• Durability and Experience: Unlike many of Itauma’s past opponents, Ruiz has gone the distance with elite fighters. He won’t be easily overwhelmed by early pressure.

• Style Matchup: Ruiz’s fast hands, combination punching, and aggressive style would force Itauma to adapt and prove his stamina beyond the early rounds.

If Itauma can beat Ruiz convincingly, it would silence critics who argue his resume lacks depth.

A Look Back at Ruiz’s Shock Win Over Anthony Joshua

To understand why Ruiz remains such a respected figure, one must revisit the night of June 1, 2019. Stepping in as a late replacement opponent, Ruiz shocked the world by flooring Joshua multiple times before forcing a seventh-round stoppage.

That victory earned him the WBA, IBF, and WBO heavyweight titles, instantly rewriting the heavyweight landscape. Although Joshua avenged the defeat in their rematch later that year, Ruiz’s place in boxing history was secured.

Since then, Ruiz has had a mixed run. He notched two victories after losing to Joshua but later struggled with injuries and inactivity. A controversial draw with Jarrell Miller stalled his momentum, and a hand injury sidelined him for nearly a year. Now, with a comeback eyed for late 2025 or early 2026, Ruiz could be looking for the perfect opponent to re-establish his career.

Moses Itauma’s Meteoric Rise

While Ruiz represents the old guard, Moses Itauma is the face of the new era. Since turning professional, the young heavyweight has displayed frightening knockout power, quick footwork, and a maturity beyond his years.

His August victory over Dillian Whyte was perhaps the most eye-opening moment of his career so far. Stopping an experienced former world title challenger in the early rounds cemented Itauma’s reputation as a dangerous finisher.

But Bellew and other experts argue that Itauma needs to show more than explosive power. To become a true contender for the heavyweight crown, he must prove his ability to fight deep into rounds, adjust his strategy, and handle adversity.

Who Else Could Moses Itauma Fight Next?

The speculation around Itauma’s next opponent continues to swirl. Several names have been linked to the young phenom:

• Filip Hrgovic: Initially rumored as a potential opponent, though negotiations fell apart due to financial demands.

• Joseph Parker: The New Zealand former champion would be a stern test, known for his durability and boxing skill.

• Jermaine Franklin: A tough American heavyweight with experience against top fighters.

• Martin Bakole: A dangerous contender who has quietly built a strong record and reputation.

Still, Andy Ruiz Jr stands out as the fight that would capture the imagination of fans worldwide. A matchup between the young destroyer and Joshua’s old conqueror has all the ingredients of a classic.

The Risk and Reward of Facing Ruiz

Taking on Ruiz would not come without risk for Itauma. Ruiz has seen it all inside the ring, from fighting in small halls to headlining Madison Square Garden. His hand speed and counter-punching ability remain dangerous weapons.

But the reward could be enormous. A win over Ruiz would add legitimacy to Itauma’s record, silencing critics who suggest he has been carefully matched. It would also propel him toward a world title shot faster than any other available fight.

On the flip side, if Ruiz were to upset Itauma, it would be a career-defining victory for the Mexican-American heavyweight, comparable to his famous win over Joshua.

Timing Could Be Perfect

Promoter Frank Warren has announced that Moses Itauma is expected to fight again on December 13, 2025, marking his third appearance of the year. Conveniently, Ruiz has also hinted at a comeback around late 2025 or early 2026, following his recovery from injury.

This alignment of schedules could make the fight a real possibility. If both sides agree, it would be one of the most anticipated heavyweight clashes in recent years.

Final Thoughts

The heavyweight division thrives on big moments, and a clash between Moses Itauma and Andy Ruiz Jr could be exactly that. For Itauma, it represents the chance to prove he belongs among the elite. For Ruiz, it’s the opportunity to remind the world of the night he shocked Anthony Joshua and reclaimed his relevance in the division.

Tony Bellew’s call for the matchup makes sense on every level: competitive, financial, and promotional. It’s the kind of fight that answers questions and creates headlines.

As the boxing world waits for official confirmation of Itauma’s next opponent, one thing is certain—his journey to the top is just beginning, and the names being linked to him show just how much excitement surrounds his career.

Whether it’s Ruiz, Parker, Bakole, or another contender, Moses Itauma is on the brink of greatness. But perhaps Bellew is right—there may be no better way to test his mettle than against the man who once humbled Anthony Joshua.