Moses Itauma warned he risks ‘never being the same again’ if he fights ex-heavyweight champion

Moses Itauma is closing in on a heavyweight title shot, but has been warned against facing a former champion

Britain’s exciting heavyweight prospect Moses Itauma has been warned he risks doing significant damage to his career if he faces former heavyweight champion Joseph Parker in the near future.

The 20-year-old Itauma has won all 12 of his professional bouts to date, finishing 10 of his opponents inside the distance.

Saudi boxing chief Turki Alalshikh has revealed he would like to see Itauma face undisputed heavyweight king Oleksandr Usyk, but Parker is the Ukrainian great’s mandatory challenger with the WBO, having previously held the organisation's belt between 2016 and 2018.

If Usyk opts against making a mandatory defence against Parker, he may have to give up his title, opening up the possibility of Parker and Itauma fighting one another for the vacant belt. But Parker’s trainer Andy Lee is not convinced it would be the right timing for Itauma.

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“There’s a risk for Joe, but there’s a risk for Moses that if he fights Joe, he’s never the same again coming back from it – if Joe has his way,” Lee told iFL TV.

Despite having reservations over whether Itauma is ready for Parker at this stage in his career, Lee believes the young Brit has a huge future ahead of him.

He has not ruled out the fight happening, hinting that it would be very difficult for either man to turn down if a title is on the line.

Andy Lee (left) with New Zealand heavyweight Joseph Parker (Getty Images)

“Moses is the future of the heavyweight division,” Lee said. “He’s building his name and is a significant heavyweight now, but he’s an up-and-coming guy. Joe is already at the top.

“It’s a risky fight for both men, it’s an exciting fight. Maybe if it’s for the vacant title, it will be worth it.”

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Itauma’s next fight is already lined up as he is due to take on domestic rival Dillian Whyte in Saudi Arabia on 16 August, live on DAZN.

Parker is still waiting to find out if he will get the next shot at Usyk after picking up impressive wins over Deontay Wilder, Zhilei Zhang and Martin Bakole in his last three outings.

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