Josh Taylor on Itauma: “One or two more fights — then he can go for Usyk”

Former world champion Josh Taylor shared his thoughts with BoxNation on the rapid rise of 20-year-old British heavyweight prospect Moses Itauma.

— Wanted to get your thoughts on Moses. He’s still awaiting confirmation of his opponent, but we know he’ll fight in December. Obviously, he’s a very talented kid — he boxed on your undercard. It was great to see how warmly Scottish fans received him.

— Yeah, they love it. Scottish fans love boxing. But as I’ve said before, they’re just starved of shows and the chance to see big fights. Only occasionally do new talents appear. But now we’ve got a whole group of promising guys — all talented.

Hopefully, they’ll start competing for titles and major domestic fights, and then we’ll have more shows here. There are some good names around, so things are looking bright — Scottish boxing is in good shape. I hope Eddie (Hearn) and Frank (Warren) keep coming here and giving these lads opportunities.

— Who would you like to see Moses fight next?

— I’m not sure. The heavyweight division isn’t particularly deep right now in terms of real top-level guys. There’s Dillian Whyte, but Moses has already beaten him.

— If we put it differently — is there anyone you wouldn’t put him in the ring with right now, considering he’s only 20?

— I don’t know… maybe Usyk. Give him another one or two fights, and then he can go for Usyk. Because he looks confident in the ring, he’s got all the tools. Why not? Maybe one more fight — and then go for it. Why not?

On August 16, Moses Itauma (13-0, 11 KOs) stopped Dillian Whyte in the first round. The 20-year-old Brit will headline a boxing event on December 13 at Co-op Live Arena in Manchester, though his opponent has not yet been announced.

On July 19, Oleksandr Usyk (24-0, 15 KOs) knocked out Daniel Dubois in the fifth round to become the undisputed heavyweight champion for the third time.