Carl Froch has considered Moses Itauma’s chances against Fabio Wardley and Daniel Dubois, as either man could soon be ordered to face the rising star.
Before anything else, Wardley must first defend his WBO world title against Dubois on May 9, headlining a Queensberry show at Manchester’s Co-op Live Arena.
The 31-year-old was elevated from ‘interim’ to full heavyweight champion following his victory over Joseph Parker, which resulted in a stunning 11th-round finish last October.
Dubois, meanwhile, has not fought since his rematch with Oleksandr Usyk in July, back when he was relieved of his IBF title via an emphatic fifth-round stoppage.
As for Itauma, it is likely he will be named as the WBO mandatory challenger, putting him in line to face the winner of Wardley-Dubois.
The 21-year-old comes off a dominant fifth-round finish over Jermaine Franklin, who was dropped and stopped for the first time in his career.
While having not yet established himself at world level, his performance in March nonetheless suggests that Itauma is capable of competing with the likes of Wardley and Dubois.
In fact, Hall of Famer Froch has opined on his YouTube channel, Froch On Fighting, that the hard-hitting prodigy is more than ready for such a challenge.
“I think Moses beats both of them. Obviously Daniel Dubois’ got that punch that could catch him, as has Fabio Wardley, but I just don’t think they’re good enough [to beat him].
“When you look at Itauma and his speed – his footwork, his combination punching… the power – he’s just very, very good.”
Itauma is set to return to action on July 25, meaning his maiden world title shot – should it arrive as early as this – is unlikely to involve the WBO belt.
It is worth noting, too, that Itauma trains at the same gym as Wardley, which represents a clear stumbling block in the way of their potential fight.
