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Itauma-Whyte: How the DAZN and Independent teams see it
This weekend sees the long-awaited fight between Moses Itauma and Dillian Whyte, live and exclusive on DAZN.
The Riyadh-sited match will see vaunted prospect Itauma, 12-0 (10), take on heavyweight stalwart Whyte, 31-3 (21), over twelve rounds. However, there are doubts about whether the fight has come too soon for Itauma, who had only a trace of an amateur career, and who now faces a former multiple-time challenger for world honours.
DAZN
True to form, the DAZN and Independent teams varied in opinion as to what the outcome of the bout may be.
James Hicken, reporter, The Independent: “No matter how old he is, Dillian Whyte is always dangerous, and if Moses Itauma gets overconfident in the early goings, then he could find himself in deep water very quickly. But I think Itauma has shown impressive composure in his limited experience and will carefully break Whyte down before knocking him out in the sixth round.”
Andrew Steel, news correspondent, DAZN: “Some wonder if this could be a step too far for Itauma. For me, it's the logical next bout after cleaning up shop beneath this level though. Whyte won't make it easy. There's a chance the veteran scores an upset if it goes deep. But for the younger man, this is the learning curve he needs in the ring.”
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Jack Tanner, reporter, The Independent: “Moses Itauma is the favourite heading into this one, but his approach could be make or break. If the younger man attempts - and fails - to end the fight early, he could find himself dragged the distance by Dillian Whyte. A long fight would be a beneficial learning experience, but increases the chances of Whyte’s success.”
- Read next | Pressure? What pressure? Moses Itauma keeping cool ahead of Dillian Whyte powder keg clash
Matt Astbury, boxing writer, DAZN: “Dillian Whyte is an underdog going into Saturday’s meeting with Moses Itauma and his best chance of springing an upset is to make this fight a scrappy one. Itauma is yet to experience what it’s like to be in the trenches, and if Whyte can tempt him into a firefight, there is every chance one of his swinging punches can land and stun one of British boxing’s highly touted prospects.”
Pete Carvill, senior reporter/writer, The Independent: “If timing is everything in boxing, it seems that Frank Warren knows something that we do not in putting his young charge in this early in his career against Dillian Whyte. Despite Whyte being 37, despite his continual falling at the top levels, he still comes in with nearly three times the number of fights as Itauma. And Whyte, too, has won three fights since losing to Tyson Fury just over three years ago. Itauma, meanwhile, seems to box with his hands down, his stance wide. I have a feeling – and I am always happy to be wrong when I am – that this may be a bridge too early and too far for Itauma.”
- Read next | 'Life kicks you in the balls!' - Dillian Whyte eyes chance to avenge losses before Moses Itauma battle
Alex Pattle, senior combat sports editor, The Independent: “I'm fascinated by this match-up, which I think is more winnable for Whyte than the odds suggest. In fact, a win for Whyte would be interesting in itself, suddenly propelling him back into conversations around elite opponents. That said, I think some sloppy tendencies could get him in big trouble – especially if he wings shots early – given Itauma's speed. My gut tells me Itauma is going to catch Whyte, in a truly captivating moment... but if he doesn't do so in the first three rounds, things could swing Whyte's way very quickly.”
Watch Itauma vs Whyte live on DAZN
Moses Itauma vs Dillian Whyte is live and exclusive on DAZN PPV this Saturday, August 16. Buy the PPV for a one-off fee or get it for free by purchasing a DAZN annual subscription (exc. US).
More information, pricing and to buy, click here.
