Boxing legend Prince Naseem Hamed has made a bold claim about rising heavyweight star Moses Itauma, describing him as "a million times better" than both Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury. The former world champion expects the 21-year-old to surpass the achievements of both British boxing icons.
Itauma's Rise and the IBF Title Shot
Itauma, who is unbeaten in 14 professional fights, is set to face Croatia's Filip Hrgovic for the vacant IBF heavyweight title at London's O2 Arena on Saturday. The Chatham-based fighter has been widely touted as the heir to the heavyweight throne, while Joshua and Fury have agreed to meet later this year in their long-awaited all-British showdown.
Hamed, 52, did not hold back in his assessment of Itauma's potential, stating that neither Fury nor Joshua would want to step into the ring with the young contender. "Moses is on another level to the likes of Tyson Fury and Tyson would say that himself. Tyson would not want to fight Moses and neither would Joshua," Hamed said. "If they did I would say they are very brave."
Historic Achievement Within Reach
Victory on Saturday would make Itauma, who has Nigerian heritage, the second-youngest heavyweight world champion in history, behind only Mike Tyson. It would also see him achieve the feat one fight sooner than Joshua did when he won his maiden world title in his 16th professional bout.
The context of the comparison is notable: Fury has lost twice, both to Oleksandr Usyk, while Joshua has suffered four defeats in 34 professional fights. Itauma's flawless record of 14 wins with no losses stands in stark contrast.
Hamed's Praise for British Boxing's Past and Itauma's Future
While Hamed was generous in his praise for what Fury and Joshua have contributed to British boxing, he made it clear that Itauma is in a different league. "I think Tyson Fury was amazing for British boxing and what he achieved, what he did and brought to the game and how colourful he was as a personality," Hamed said. "I think Joshua did an amazing job early in his career to win a world title and be an ambassador for British boxing."
However, his final verdict was unambiguous: "[But] I can't compare Moses. He is a million times better than them."
Itauma's bout against Hrgovic represents a significant step in his career, and a win would not only secure a world title but also position him as the new face of the heavyweight division, potentially setting up future mega-fights against the likes of Fury and Joshua.
