The British heavyweight has been blitzed his way up the heavyweight rankings under the guidance of Frank Warren and he exploded onto the mainstream radar at the backend of 2024.
Expected to be tested by the vastly experienced Demsey McKean, Itauma made a mockery of the pre-fight predictions and destroyed the Australian in the opening session .
Taking part on the huge Oleksandr Usyk vs. Tyson Fury 2 show, Itauma made his presence known on the biggest stage possible.
Now eager to push on in 2025, could Itauma use this year as an opportunity to push on and become world champion, breaking Mike Tyson’s age record in the process?
That may be a difficult task with time against him, but there is no doubting that Itauma is very much on his way to coming world champion.
Mark Robinson/Matchroom
Bellew, who briefly campaigned at heavyweight in a two-fight series against David Haye, is a big admirer of Itauma and he has heaped praise on the promising 20-year-old.
“I just think he's an exceptional fighter, everything about him, his demeanor, his attitude, everything. He's in his own time. He presses when he wants. He's quality,” said Bellew when speaking to Casino Utan Spelpaus.
“I just think he's very, very good. And then add to that, he's a southpaw as well. And I think within 18 months, he'll be fighting for a world heavyweight title.
“There's no fear. I just think, given a little bit more experience, I'd favour him to beat the next crop of heavyweights, the likes of Daniel Dubois.”
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