“If I Lose, I’m 20—If I Win, I’m Champion”: Moses Itauma Outlines His Logic Behind Chasing Usyk

Moses Itauma says the reason he wants to fight  Oleksandr Usyk for his undisputed heavyweight championship is that it’s a “win-win’ for him. Itauma points out that there’s no downside to going up against the unbeaten champion.

If he loses, he’s got a built-in excuse of being 20 years old. A victory makes him the new four-belt heavyweight champion of the world. It’s the perfect situation for Itauma if he can get the chance to fight Usyk before he retires.

Avoiding Sanchez: Smart or Scared?

That’s why it’s crucial that Itauma not fight someone talented like Frank Sanchez, who could potentially beat him, and mess up the Usyk fight. Interestingly, Itauma says he didn’t turn down the fight against Sanchez recently for an IBF title eliminator. He states that he wasn’t one of the three names that were offered to him by his promoters.

Itauma didn’t explain why Sanchez’s name was left off the list, but it’s understandable why it wouldn’t be a good idea to include him. He’s too different from the opposition that Itauma has been feasting on since he turned pro in 2023.

Itauma’s Last Six Opponents:

1. Dillian Whyte: 37
2. Mike Balogun: 41
3. Demsey McKean:34
4. Mariusz Wach: 45 (Wow)
5. Ilja Mezencev: 29
6. Dan Garber: 40

“I don’t know if it’s Efe Ajgba or Frank Sanchez. They wasn’t in that list of three names,” said Moses Itauma to Boxing King Media, arguing that he didn’t turn down Frank Sanchez.

“There’s a win-win situation with Usyk. If I go in there and win, I’m the heavyweight champion of the world. If I go in there and I lose, I’ve just lost to Usyk, who is the champion of the world, and I’m 20 years old. So, it’s a win-win situation.”

There’s no upside for Usyk to defend against Itauma, given his age and inexperience. It would be a different story if Itauma’s promoters had pulled the trigger on a fight against Frank Sanchez (25-1, 18 KOs), but that would have involved taking a big risk with their prize.

Fans Remember, Hype Doesn’t Forget

Sanchez is a massive puncher with both hands, and his hand speed rivals Itauma’s. It might even be superior to him. Sanchez has extensive experience from being part of the Cuban national amateur team. If he exposed Itauma, fans wouldn’t forget, and it would be difficult for him to be rebuilt by his promoters at Queensberry.

Even if they fed Moses tomato cans, fans would have the memory of his loss to Sanchez burned into their minds. It might be impossible to refurbish Itauma. But if you avoid Sanchez, there’s no problem, which appears to be the case.

The Perfect Setup for a Payday

Moses forgot to mention the biggest reason why it’s a “win-win” for him to fight Usyk. The payday would likely be tremendous, particularly if Turki Alalshikh is involved and the one paying for the purses. Not only would it not be a big deal if Itauma is outclassed and exposed as hype, but the purse would be enormous.

Ideally, Itauma should prove himself against the top heavyweights to earn a title shot against the undisputed champion Usyk. That doesn’t appear to be happening. Itauma is being fed one old guy after another. There’s no real development going on with him.

Since 2015, Olly Campbell has brought readers a clear ringside perspective and a steady voice on boxing’s biggest nights.