Lennox Lewis Warns Moses Itauma: Why the Young Heavyweight Should Avoid Oleksandr Usyk

The heavyweight division is currently in a state of flux, and amidst the chaos, a new star is rising. Moses Itauma is rapidly becoming the name on everyone’s lips, with ambitions to dominate the heavyweight scene in the coming years. However, legendary three-time world champion Lennox Lewis believes that ambition needs to be tempered with strategy.

In a recent interview with iFL TV, Lewis issued a stark warning to the young Briton: avoid Oleksandr Usyk—at least for now.

The Wisdom of a Legend: Why Wait?

Lennox Lewis, known for his tactical brilliance and dominance in the ring, acknowledges Itauma’s raw talent. He praised the youngster’s grit and punching power, but warned that jumping into the deep end against a master like Usyk could be premature.

“Moses is a great, upcoming, young fighter. He has got a lot of grit, he throws some good punches. I think that there is a time where he is going to have to make that move but the time isn’t now,” Lewis stated.

Despite Usyk being 39 years old, Lewis argues that the Ukrainian’s skill set remains a lethal hurdle for any developing fighter. His advice? Wait until Usyk retires and claim the throne when the path is clearer.

A Golden Opportunity in the Heavyweight Division

With Oleksandr Usyk having vacated his three world titles, the door has swung wide open for contenders like Itauma to seize power. The landscape is currently fragmented, offering multiple paths to glory:

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• WBA Title: New ruler Murat Gassiev has already called out Itauma.
• IBF Title: Itauma has been ordered for a potential title shot.
• WBC Title: Rumors link the prospect to a clash with the new champion, Agit Kabayel.
• WBO Title: Itauma currently sits as the mandatory challenger, awaiting the outcome of the Daniel Dubois and Fabio Wardley rematch.

For more detailed rankings and fighter statistics, you can check out BoxRec, the gold standard for boxing records.

The Next Big Step: Itauma vs. Hrgovic

Before he can chase the belts, Moses Itauma must face a significant litmus test. On Saturday, August 29, the 21-year-old will headline the prestigious O2 Arena in London for the first time, facing off against Filip Hrgovic.

This fight is pivotal. If Itauma emerges unscathed, he will be perfectly positioned to launch a full-scale assault on the world titles. The boxing world is eager to see if the young phenom can handle the pressure of a main event on such a massive stage.

Final Thoughts

The road to heavyweight supremacy is paved with risks. While Moses Itauma has the hunger and the power, the strategic guidance of a legend like Lennox Lewis serves as a reminder that timing is everything in boxing. Whether Itauma listens to the advice or chooses the high-risk path, one thing is certain: the future of the heavyweight division is thrilling.

Stay tuned for more updates on the Itauma-Hrgovic clash and the ever-evolving world of heavyweight boxing.