In the world of heavyweight boxing, the recent clash between Daniel Dubois and Fabio Wardley has left fans and experts alike buzzing with anticipation. With Dubois emerging victorious, the question on everyone's lips is: who's next for the newly crowned champion?
One name that has been floating around is Moses Itauma, a rising star in the heavyweight division. However, despite his impressive record and potential, the talkSPORT Boxing panel, including Gareth A. Davies and Spencer Oliver, believe Itauma isn't quite ready for the likes of Dubois.
"Itauma has been making waves, but I think it's too soon to throw him into the deep end with Dubois," Davies explains. "He's still young and has a lot to learn. We need to be patient and let him develop further."
Oliver agrees, suggesting an alternative path for Itauma's development. "There are other worthy opponents out there who can provide a good test for Itauma without putting him at too much risk. We want to see him succeed, but we must also consider his long-term growth."
One potential opponent mentioned is Bakhodir Jalolov, an Uzbekistani fighter who impressed on the Wardley vs. Dubois undercard. Oliver believes a match-up with Jalolov could be a good stepping stone for Itauma, offering a challenging yet manageable fight.
"Jalolov brings a unique style to the table, and a fight with him would be a great test for Itauma's skills. It's a fight that could showcase his potential while also providing a good spectacle for fans."
As for Dubois, his future looks bright with a plethora of options on the table. Frank Warren, Dubois' promoter, revealed that a rematch clause exists for the Wardley fight, but he doesn't foresee it happening anytime soon.
"Dubois has proven his worth, and we want to see him continue his dominance. There are other big names and potential title fights on the horizon, and we'll explore those options first," Warren explains.
One such option is a potential unification bout with Oleksandr Usyk, the current WBC heavyweight champion. Warren has even threatened legal action if Usyk doesn't defend his title against the interim champion, Agit Kabayel.
"Usyk is a formidable opponent, and a fight with him would be a massive test for Dubois. It's a fight that could define his legacy and solidify his place among the elite."
Another name in the mix is Tyson Fury, who is expected to face Anthony Joshua later this year. While a fight with Fury would be a massive draw, it's a match-up that Dubois has already had twice, with Fury coming out on top.
"Fury is a legend in his own right, but I think Dubois needs to focus on establishing his own legacy. There are other worthy opponents out there who can help him do that," Warren adds.
As the boxing world eagerly awaits the next moves of these heavyweight titans, one thing is clear: the future of the division is bright, and the potential for thrilling match-ups is endless.
"It's an exciting time for boxing fans. We have a new champion in Dubois, and a host of talented fighters ready to challenge him. The future of heavyweight boxing is looking very promising indeed," Warren concludes.
