Former world champion Duke McKenzie has issued a stark warning to undefeated heavyweight prospect Moses Itauma, urging him to avoid a potential clash with David Adeleye in 2025.
McKenzie believes the fight would be a “life or death” battle for the 20-year-old rising star.
Speaking to talkSPORT, McKenzie was emphatic about his concerns: “Bad move, style makes fights. If I was Itauma’s handlers, I would go in a different direction.”
Itauma currently boasts a perfect 11-0 professional record.
Moses Itauma has been dubbed ‘Britain’s Mike Tyson’TNT Sports
The young heavyweight has been making waves in the division, most recently delivering a statement performance by knocking out Demsey McKean in the first round last December.
Itauma’s explosive style and power have drawn comparisons to Mike Tyson, with the Briton initially targeting Tyson’s record as the youngest heavyweight world champion.
Though he has missed out on breaking that particular record, Itauma has continued to impress with his ferocious approach.
“Everybody Itauma has fought he has knocked out and looked sensational doing it,” noted McKenzie.
McKenzie expressed particular concern about Adeleye’s experience with defeat making him a dangerous opponent.
“The difference between Adeleye and Itauma right now is he knows what it is like to lose,” McKenzie explained.
Tyson Fury has backed Moses Itauma to become a world championINSTAGRAM“He will train wildly for the Itauma fight,” he added. “He’s young, he is the right side of 30 and he will give Itauma problems, and I wouldn’t be surprised if he beat him.”
McKenzie also pointed out that Itauma’s previous opponents “can’t fight” and “none of them hit him back.”
Adeleye’s own heavyweight journey hit a setback when Fabio Wardley ended his 12-fight unbeaten run with a knockout last year.
However, the British heavyweight has since mounted an impressive comeback after joining forces with trainer Adam Booth.
His return to the ring proved successful with a clinical knockout victory over Solomon Dacres.
This resurgence has kept Adeleye firmly in contention among Britain’s top heavyweight prospects.
Itauma’s team appears to have alternative plans for 2025, with promoter Francis Warren outlining several potential matchups.
Warren confirmed Itauma is scheduled to fight in April before any interim title discussions.
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A world title eliminator against Justis Huni is being considered, with Itauma now ranked No 6 by the WBO.
“Filip Hrgovic, Otto Wallin, Huni that is the fight that is being talked about, and Charles Martin is another great name on our radar,” Warren told talkSPORT.
The 20-year-old is expected to fight three times in 2025.