Frank Warren, the renowned boxing promoter, has been keeping a close eye on the heavyweight division, particularly after the recent bout between Daniel Dubois and Fabio Wardley. The fight, which Dubois won decisively, has left the boxing world buzzing with speculation about Dubois' next move. While Dubois has a plethora of options, the talkSPORT Boxing panel has a different opinion on who should be his next opponent, and it's not Moses Itauma.
Itauma, who was ringside for Dubois' victory over Wardley, is already booked to fight on August 8th. The 21-year-old has been on a rapid rise since his professional debut in January 2023, knocking out Jermaine Franklin in his last fight. However, despite his impressive record, the talkSPORT panel, including Gareth A. Davies and Spencer Oliver, believes it's too soon for Itauma to face Dubois.
Davies and Oliver argue that Itauma is not ready for the challenge of Dubois, suggesting that there should be a different route for the young heavyweight. They propose Bakhodir Jalolov as a more suitable opponent for Itauma, citing his impressive win over Agron Smakici on the Wardley vs Dubois undercard. Oliver believes that a fight with Jalolov would be a 'sellable' and 'good' fight for Itauma, allowing him to build his reputation further.
The talkSPORT panel's opinion highlights a deeper question about the strategic planning of boxing matches. It raises the idea that sometimes, a more cautious approach is necessary to ensure the growth and development of a fighter. While Itauma's potential is undeniable, the panel's perspective suggests that rushing into a high-profile fight like a rematch with Dubois might not be the best strategy for his long-term success.
Warren, on the other hand, is more focused on the immediate future. He confirmed that there is a rematch clause in the contract for Wardley vs Dubois, but he is confident that the conversation about a rematch won't be brought up anytime soon. Warren is aware of the numerous heavyweight fights happening in the next few months, including the highly anticipated clash between unified heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk and Dutch kickboxing legend Rico Verhoeven.
The boxing schedule is packed with exciting matches, and Warren's focus on the bigger picture is a testament to his strategic mindset. While the rematch between Wardley and Dubois might be a tempting prospect, Warren is likely considering the broader implications of Dubois' next move. The young fighter has a lot to consider, and the talkSPORT panel's opinion provides an interesting perspective on the matter.
In the end, the decision about Dubois' next opponent will be a strategic one, and the talkSPORT panel's input is a valuable contribution to the discussion. As the boxing world eagerly awaits Dubois' next move, the panel's opinion serves as a reminder that sometimes, taking a step back and considering alternative paths can be the best way forward.
