Moses Itauma, a heavyweight boxer, has weighed in on the highly anticipated Usyk vs. Deontay Wilder match-up, offering his honest verdict. Despite the fight being dubbed as 'his last dance' by Usyk, Itauma is not a fan of the idea. In a recent interview with IFL TV, he expressed his skepticism, questioning the appeal of the bout. He stated, 'He doesn't need to do that. Who the hell would want to watch that?'
Itauma acknowledges Usyk's achievements and understands the financial incentives behind the fight. He explains, 'Fair enough he’s achieved more than I have, so I can’t say anything. He wants the paper.' However, he also highlights the disparity in their earnings, noting that Usyk's recent success has likely boosted his bank balance significantly.
'You’ve got to remember, when Usyk was a cruiserweight and even the early stages of the heavyweight fights, he wasn’t making as much money as he’s raking it in his last couple years,' Itauma said. This suggests that the financial aspect may be a driving force behind Usyk's decision to pursue this fight.
Despite his criticism, Itauma respects Usyk's choice, understanding the allure of a lucrative showdown. He concludes, 'I ain’t pocket-watching or anything, but the last two to three years of his career he’s probably earned such a huge amount that he’s probably not ready to leave the game. I don’t blame him.'
As for Itauma, he is focused on his own journey, aiming to secure a world heavyweight title shot. He will face Filip Hrgovic at The O2 Arena on August 29, looking to make significant strides in his career. This fight will be a stepping stone for Itauma, who is determined to make his mark in the heavyweight division.
