Moses Itauma open to facing KO artist ‘legend’ who wants to test his chin

Moses Itauma is willing to face a hard-hitting heavyweight veteran following his last outing, a methodical fifth-round stoppage victory over Jermaine Franklin.

The 21-year-old showed his world-class potential last month, scoring a third-round knockdown before halting the typically durable Franklin with a thunderous uppercut.

Since then, Itauma has been confirmed as the WBO’s mandatory challenger, placing him in pole position to face the winner of Fabio Wardley vs Daniel Dubois, which takes place at Manchester’s Co-op Live Arena on May 9.

Equally, though, the precocious talent is ranked No.1 with the WBA and No.2 with the WBC, giving him several options to consider ahead of his next assignment.

With Itauma reportedly set to return in July, a selection of contenders are already being discussed as possible opponents, including the likes of Murat Gassiev and Filip Hrgovic.

As for a potential clash with Deontay Wilder, Itauma told DAZN in the build-up to the American’s showdown with Derek Chisora that he would be open to facing him.

“If he wins, yeah. You’ve got to kind of weigh up the risk to reward. What do you gain [from fighting] him?

“He is a legend in the sport and I do respect him, but you need to weigh up the pros and cons.”

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After scoring two knockdowns to defeat Chisora by split decision earlier this month, former world champion Wilder is now sniffing around for his next opportunity.

Speaking with ESPN, the 40-year-old said he is in no mood to duck any potential opponents, including Itauma, who he found mightily impressive against Franklin.

“I’m in the heavyweight division. All these other characters are in the heavyweight division. Why not? I’m not [dodging] anyone.

“I didn’t know who Moses was but I saw his last fight with Franklin… What a hell of a KO. He seems like a potential champion. Why not test him?”

Since their chaotic encounter, Chisora has demanded an immediate rematch with Wilder, who is likely to face an alternative opponent in his next outing.