This coming Saturday, burgeoning heavyweight talent Moses Itauma is set to clash with seasoned, though somewhat peripheral, contender Dillian Whyte, broadcast live on DAZN PPV from Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Itauma presents himself as a potential future leader in the heavyweight division. The obstacle in Moses’s path as he advances is Dillian Whyte. Can Whyte truly challenge Itauma, or will the younger fighter’s vigor prove decisive? The pay-per-view preliminary bouts feature noteworthy contests, including Nick Ball versus Sam Goodman, Filip Hrgovic versus David Adeleye, and Raymond Ford versus Abraham Nova.
Moses Itauma is widely considered by boxing media as the sport’s next major sensation. Naturally, only time will reveal if Moses can justify the excitement and high expectations. Despite being past his peak, Dillian Whyte remains, on paper, the most formidable opponent Itauma has faced. Dillian has competed at boxing’s highest echelons, having fought opponents such as Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua. However, Whyte’s recent performances suggest a decline, raising questions about whether this fight primarily serves as a lucrative opportunity at the end of his career.
Can Dillian Whyte Endure Itauma’s Initial Onslaught?
Itauma, fighting as a southpaw, possesses substantial force in both fists. He has an effective jab coupled with notable hand speed, particularly for someone of his size. What distinguishes Moses is his excellent timing and aptitude for countering during exchanges. His hooks are highly effective, and he possesses a powerful uppercut.
This matchup is scheduled for 10 rounds, a structure that may benefit or hinder Whyte. The advantage for Dillian is that he can maintain a high rate of punches without needing to conserve energy for the later “championship rounds.” The downside is that Moses might tire in the later rounds. Avoiding the necessity to push through the 11th and 12th rounds might considerably aid Moses if the fight extends to the latter stages.
Is Itauma Being Prematurely Crowned as the Next Heavyweight Great?
The outcome of the evening hinges on Dillian Whyte’s ability to withstand the early rounds. If he can survive, for instance, the initial four or five rounds, the complexion of the fight will likely shift dramatically. Itauma must avoid being overly eager to secure a decisive victory with a highlight-reel knockout. If Moses exercises patience and adheres to his tactical approach, he should eventually manage to overcome Whyte. Youth, power, and swiftness will overwhelm the seasoned Dillian Whyte. If this occurs, it’s premature to advocate for a match between Moses and Oleksandr Usyk. Opponents such as Joseph Parker, Filip Hrgovic (assuming he wins), and Efe Ajagba, among others, would be appropriate challenges for Moses to fully develop before facing the undisputed champion.
My Official Prediction: Moses Itauma wins by knockout.
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Additional Observation: While the betting odds for this PPV’s undercard may not indicate evenly matched contests, the actual fights should offer considerable excitement. Here’s hoping that we witness at least one unexpected upset, or at a minimum, a couple of closely contested, dramatic encounters.
My Selections: Ball, Hrgovic, and Ford.
Authored by Chris Carlson, the Host/Producer of the Rope A Dope Radio Podcast, available on platforms such as Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker, I-Heart Radio, Amazon Podcasts, and Google Podcasts, among others!
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