Itauma: "Fury Doesn't Have the Strongest Punch"

In an interview with talkSPORT, British heavyweight representative Moses Itauma (8-0, 6 KOs) compared the punching power of WBC champion Tyson Fury (34-0-1, 24 KOs) and former champion Anthony Joshua (28-3, 25 KOs).

"No, Tyson Fury doesn't have the strongest punch, but he's a unique boxer. Joshua hit me really hard. I sparred with Anthony when I was 16. Just a few rounds, but it was enough.

Fury gave me a lot of advice. Right now, I think he's number 1. There are many factors people don't take into account.

Joshua had something to learn before the fight with Ngannou. Tyson didn't have that opportunity; he was the first to go for such a crossover. It was wonderful entertainment. Another thing is whether Fury took it seriously.

I wasn't shaken in sparring. We're big guys. Everyone has the chance to knock each other out, it only takes one punch.

For example, I go out and knock some guy out in sparring, he can't spar for 6 weeks, and I have to put all my effort into finding a new sparring partner. You don't learn anything by knocking people out in sparring.

If I go into the ring, the opponent is just tapping, and I'm trying to knock him out, then I'm going to look like... well, you get it. If he comes in trying to knock me out, but I easily continue, it's pointless. So, there's an unspoken agreement between you. You spend a minute in the ring and assess how to proceed," said Itauma.

Moses Itauma last fought on March 22 against Dan Garber (6-3, 2 KOs) and knocked out his opponent in the first round.

On March 8, Anthony Joshua knocked out Francis Ngannou (0-2) in the second round.

Tyson Fury's next fight will take place on May 18 in Riyadh (Saudi Arabia) for the title of undisputed world heavyweight champion against the holder of the WBO, WBA, IBO, and IBF titles, Oleksandr Usyk (21-0, 14 KOs).