Putting Moses Itauma Behind A Paywall Hurts His Future

Fans are being asked to pay to watch an unproven 21-year-old headline against an opponent who is respected within boxing but has little drawing power. A bare-bones undercard filled with domestic-level scrubs going nowhere gives undecided buyers zero reason to order the event.

Thin Card Leaves Itauma Carrying The Show

Sam Noakes against former WBO lightweight champion Denys Berinchyk is the strongest supporting fight. Constantin Ursu meets Ben Vaughan, Aloys Junior takes on 40-year-old Mike Perez, and Guido Vianello faces Moses Jolly.

Those fights may serve their purpose on a regular DAZN card, but this is a premium broadcast. None carries enough public interest to take pressure off Itauma and Hrgovic.

The promoters are trying to collect star-level money before Itauma has become a star. That strategy reduces the number of people who will see him and makes it harder for him to develop the support required to sell future events.

Exposure Should Come Before PPV

Regular cards should remain Itauma’s home until he is at least 26 and has been shown repeatedly to boxing fans. Five more years of accessible fights would let viewers follow his development, learn his personality, and become invested in his career.

Anthony Joshua became a major attraction because millions of British viewers watched his early fights. Itauma is being denied that broad introduction by a business model that demands payment without first establishing a connection with the public.

An IBF title would give Itauma a belt, but it would not automatically make him an attraction. Hiding him behind a paywall may bring in money on August 29. It also means fewer people will be watching when he takes the most important step of his career.