British boxing icon Prince Naseem Hamed has asserted that young heavyweight prospect Moses Itauma is "a million times better" than current top contenders Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury. Hamed, a prominent figure in boxing during the 1990s known for his flamboyant style and numerous world titles, sees immense potential in Itauma.
Itauma is set to face Filip Hrgovic, an Olympic bronze medalist with a professional record of 21 wins and one loss. Despite Hrgovic's experience and stronger resume against top opposition, Hamed believes the fight will not be a significant challenge for Itauma. "On paper it's a test but I don't think the night that we watch it it will be a test," Hamed stated. "I think it's going to be one of Moses' easiest nights of his career and he'll win a world title."
Hamed drew parallels between his own career aspirations and Itauma's mindset. "Winning a national title as an amateur aged 11 and then having in your head all the way through your amateur career that you'll be world champion at 21 - I visualised that. I think it's very much the same for Moses," he explained. Hamed expressed strong confidence in Itauma's future, adding, "I'm so confident that Moses is going to be the heavyweight champion of the world. I'm so confident that he'll defend that belt for as long as he wants."
Hamed himself became Britain's youngest world champion in 1995 at the age of 21 years and 230 days when he defeated Steve Robinson for the WBO featherweight title. Itauma, if he wins his upcoming bout at 21, will narrowly miss breaking that specific record by 14 days.