AfriPulse
British-Nigerian heavyweight prospect Moses Itauma has declared himself ready to challenge new WBO champion Daniel Dubois following a stirring comeback win over Fabio Wardley in Manchester on Saturday night.
Dubois survived two early knockdowns before stopping Wardley in the 11th round to reclaim the WBO heavyweight crown, with referee Howard Foster stepping in to halt the bout.
The victory marked the 28-year-old’s 22nd stoppage win and immediately sparked talk of a showdown with the rising Itauma.
Speaking from ringside on talkSPORT before the main event, Itauma had tipped his training partner Wardley to win but left no doubt about his willingness to face Dubois if the result went the other way.
“100 per cent I’d fight Dubois. Come on, do you think I’m gonna come on live radio and say no, I won’t fight someone?” he said.
The prospect of the fight has gathered momentum after World Boxing Organisation president Gustavo Olivieri signalled he would recommend Itauma as mandatory challenger, pending committee approval.
A decision will then be made on whether Dubois must face Itauma next or be allowed a voluntary defence.
Dubois himself challenged Wardley on a voluntary basis, which could make it difficult for the new champion to delay a mandatory bout.
Wardley had previously ruled out fighting Itauma due to their shared trainer, Ben Davison, removing a major obstacle to the clash.
Promoter Frank Warren had earlier outlined a separate path for Itauma, including a London headline fight on 8 August and a planned bout in the United States later in the year.
That schedule suggests the 21-year-old could target another major belt before facing Dubois, with the World Boxing Association ranking him number one alongside the WBO.
Itauma arrives in strong form after stopping Jermaine Franklin, a feat neither Anthony Joshua nor Dillian Whyte managed against the same opponent. The result has strengthened calls for the unbeaten contender to receive his first world title shot.
Source: Naijanews.com | Read the Full Story…
