MOSES ITAUMA politely turned down another rapid Saudi Arabia showcase to help Tyson Fury in freezing Morecambe with his undisputed decider.
The 18-year-old wonderkid made his name in the hurt game by sparring bonafide beasts like Joe Joyce and Anthony Joshua when he was still a schoolboy.
Itauma has his sights on becoming the youngest world champion since Mike TysonCredit: Rex
Itauma turned down the opportunity to fight this month to help Fury prepare for his fight with Oleksandr UsykCredit: Getty
He’s now a 7-0 pro racing toward the Mike Tyson’s record of being the planet’s youngest ever heavyweight world champion.
The boxing super-student produced a sensational first-round KO win here in Riyadh in October.
And he will be back here on February 17 to star on the Fury vs Oleksandr Usyk undercard, after helping the Gypsy King with ideal southpaw sparring for Ukraine’s WBA, IBF and WBO boss.
Former four-belt cruiserweight boss Usyk is a nightmare to find sparring for.
Leading with his right hand and foot, from a 6ft 3in frame and having the mind of a chess grandmaster, makes him a fighting freak.
But Itauma might just be the best impersonator on the planet so it’s a masterstroke by Fury having him in Lancashire.
After starching respected Istvan Bernath last time out, the Kent king-in-waiting said: “A lot of people have been saying I’m not a real prospect but shoot me to the stars, what’s where I belong.
“My power is there and my team told me I had to let my hands go and that’s what happens.
“As long as I avoid injuries I will be wanting to fight again in December, I would fight again tonight if they would let me.”
But his next date has been pushed back to Valentines so he can help compatriot Fury – the last star on his sparring hitlist – with PPV-worthy practice rounds.