Moses Itauma encouraged to fight former champion who knocked out Anthony Joshua in boxing return

And with the Slovakian-born contender yet to book his return, an interesting showdown against a former world champion proper has been suggested.

Moses Itauma encouraged to pursue Andy Ruiz Jr. fight

Linked with a series of potential opponents for his next fight, including Filip Hrgovic, as well as heavyweight behemoth Jarrell Miller, Itauma has also been suggested as a foe for current interim champion Joseph Parker.

However, a leftfield suggestion has been made, with former world heavyweight champion Andy Ruiz Jr. — who knocked out Anthony Joshua in a major 2019 upset, the latest name to be linked with Itauma.

“I wouldn’t mind him (Moses Itauma) in with Andy Ruiz (Jr.),” Gareth A. Davies told Boxing Social. “But again, how much is Andy Ruiz gonna need for that fight? Can they pay him enough at the moment?

“That’s a Wembley Arena, O2 Arena-type fight — Manchester Arena. It’s those kinds of arenas which he’d be big in.”

However, Itauma has also been urged to gather some much-needed experience if he is to fight Usyk in the future — ideally against an Australian upstart who he had been linked to in the past.

Moses Itauma urged to consider Justis Huni fight next

Initially linked to a showdown at the beginning of this year, a matchup between Itauma and Queensland native Justis Huni has so far failed to hit the ring at the time of publication.

However, as far as Matchroom Boxing promoter Eddie Hearn is concerned, a pairing with Huni offers Itauma some sizable threat and a chance to build up experience toward a super fight with Ukrainian megastar Usyk.

“I think him (Justis Huni) and Moses (Itauma) is a great matchup,” Hearn told IFL TV. “They’re both young, they’ve both got great movement. They’re both a little bit smaller than the bigger heavyweights, but I think that’s a good fight.”