Usyk Owes Itauma Nothing, Says Mora: “Let Him Earn It”

Sergio Mora says he doesn’t think undisputed heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk should fight Moses Itauma before he retires in three years. He believes that Usyk (24-0, 15 KOs) doesn’t owe it to the unproven 20-year-old Itauma to give his career a boost by fighting him before he hangs up his gloves at 41.

Itauma’s “Win-Win” Fantasy

Itauma (13-0, 11 KOs) has expressed interest in fighting Usyk, viewing it as a “win-win” for him. He gets a world title shot, a big payday, and has a ready-made excuse to give to his fans if he loses. He can blame it on his lack of experience and his age.

If he wins the fight, there’s a real gain. Either way, it works in Itauma’s favor while doing very little for Usyk other than a big payday. Itauma would be getting an unearned opportunity.

The sanctioning bodies have rapidly given Itauma a high ranking, despite his not having fought any quality heavyweights. He’s ranked #1 WBA and #1 WBO, which means Usyk will have no choice but to fight him soon if he wants to hold onto those belts.

Half the Age, Quarter the Resume

“There’s no way he should be fighting a guy that’s half his age that hasn’t even gained a quarter of his success,” said Sergio Mora to Chris Mannix’s channel about his belief that Oleksandr Usyk shouldn’t fight the less accomplished Moses Itauma, who has never fought anyone notable other than a faded 37-year-old Dillian Whyte.

Itauma’s last eight opponents

• Dillian Whyte
• Mike Balogun
• Demsey McKean
• Mariusz Wach
• Ilja Mezencev
• Dan Garber
• Michal Boloz
• István Bernáth

It would be less of an issue for Itauma challenging for a world title if he’d fought good opposition since turning pro in 2023. Just going by his record, he doesn’t rate a world title shot against Usyk, and doesn’t belong at #1 in the rankings.

Torrez Jr. Deserves More Respect

What’s interesting is that the 2020 Olympic silver medalist Richard Torrez Jr. hasn’t been moved up as high as Itauma, even though he’s faced better opposition as a pro. Torrez Jr. (13-0, 11 KOs) also has better amateur credentials.

“Usyk gets to make the decision about who he fights. Usyk doesn’t need to give him a boost in his career. It’s time for Moses Itauma to do it on his own clock,” said Mora.

“Moses Itauma hasn’t beaten anyone yet,” said Mannix. “Itauma’s team knows he’s not ready for Usyk. “I think if they fought tomorrow, Usyk would win that fight. Itauma, has he got out of the third round yet?