With heavyweight week rolling into Riyadh, headline act Moses Itauma has weighed in on the other big men sharing Saturday’s stage: Filip Hrgovic vs. David Adeleye. Itauma’s take is blunt - this one shows the “difference of levels.”
“I think you’re actually going to really see the difference of levels,” Itauma said, noting he has no personal issue with Adeleye. “David’s done a very good job of convincing people he’s a lot better than he is… he packs power, which kind of overshines the skill level. But when you’re actually there with a skilful guy who’s been in the ring with people that can punch, I think you’re going to really see the difference.”
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Adeleye’s recent surge - an explosive one-round blitz of Solomon Dacres followed by a controversial sixth-round KO of Jeamie Tshikeva - has some giving him a puncher’s chance. But Itauma points to pedigree and proof at higher levels on Hrgovic’s side, contrasting that with Adeleye’s struggles lower on the ladder, including a narrow escape against Kamil Sokolowski and a decisive loss to Fabio Wardley.
Bottom line, per Itauma: power alone won’t bridge the gap on Saturday the 16th. In a fight many expect to deliver heavy leather, he’s backing craft and experience to tell.
Image Credit: DAZN