Usyk, 39, has vacated his heavyweight world titles as he begins winding down his career, with a potential farewell bout against Deontay Wilder being discussed. Some fans have floated Itauma as a possible final opponent, viewing the unbeaten British heavyweight as the division’s future standard-bearer.
Bellew sees it differently.
“I think that it would be absolutely insane to throw Moses Itauma into Usyk after not going past six rounds yet,” Bellew said on Fight Your Corner, in partnership with Midnite.
“Would you throw a fighter like that in with someone like him? His game plan would be, ‘I have only got to see past six rounds with you, kid. I am going to take you to places that you have never been.’”
Bellew argued that Itauma’s lack of championship-round experience would play directly into Usyk’s strengths. The former undisputed cruiserweight champion has repeatedly broken opponents down with his pace, ring IQ and ability to make adjustments over the second half of fights.
He also urged caution over the growing hype surrounding Itauma, pointing out that the unbeaten heavyweight has yet to defeat a proven elite contender.
“His best win is Jermaine Franklin. Jermaine Franklin is known for losing,” Bellew said.
“That is one thing that Frank Warren does well. Nobody can knock that. He builds a fighter really well. He generates the hype train to a point where there is no going back, and that is where Moses is at now.”
Itauma will have an opportunity to answer some of those questions on August 29 when he faces Filip Hrgovic at the O2 Arena in London. Hrgovic is widely regarded as the toughest opponent of Itauma’s career, and a victory could move him into position for a WBA or IBF heavyweight title shot.
