Moses Itauma’s first big-name admirer now sees him as a threat ahead of Dillian Whyte clash

Lawrence Okolie reveals Moses Itauma will become a rival if he beats Dillian Whyte

Lawrence Okolie recently defeated Kevin Lerena, who dropped Daniel Dubois, in his second heavyweight bout.

In his first, Okolie won via first-round knockout, though his fight with Lerena, which he won on points, was marred by an early bicep injury for Okolie.

Okolie was one of the first to praise Itauma, as he shared rounds with him in Shane McGuigan’s gym when Itauma was still in school. McGuigan, who thinks Itauma will beat Whyte, said Itauma used to turn up in his school uniform before sparring.

Okolie, now 22-1, had been calling out Whyte for some time before the Itauma fight was announced, and has since spoken on Itauma getting his desired opponent, and how the man he admired may soon become his foe,

“You do expect [Moses] to get to world level and he then becomes a rival. For example, I was looking for the Dillian Whyte fight. He got the Dillian Whyte fight, so that instantly, you know, creates that kind of… […] If he wins this fight, it could be Lawrence [versus] Moses.”

Moses Itauma vs Lawrence Okolie – The stats

Okolie expects Itauma to KO Whyte, and it seems that opinion is shared by many in the boxing world, with Dave Allen believing Itauma is all wrong for Whyte, and Mark Tibbs suggesting Whyte will lose, too.

Though Itauma is still young and hasn’t yet been tested, his explosive performances have set him apart, and lead many to believe he is the next heavyweight sensation, whilst Whyte, who has suffered from inactivity, a failed PED test, multiple fight withdrawals, and recent lackluster opposition, is clearly on his way out.

If Itauma is able to beat Whyte, as Okolie said it could well be him vs Itauma next.

As a result, it is worth comparing both men to see how they might fare against one another, and who may have the edge if the former friends and sparring partners become rivals in the ring.