Joseph Parker Too Strong: David Allen Advises Moses Itauma to Postpone World Title Ambitions

British heavyweight David Allen has dropped a bombshell warning for rising star Moses Itauma, saying it would be “irresponsible” for the 20-year-old’s management to put him in the ring against former world champion Joseph Parker—especially in a potential fight for the vacant WBO heavyweight title.

While Moses Itauma (12-0, 10 KOs) remains undefeated and touted as a future world champion, Allen insists that the young talent is “miles off” from being ready for such a massive leap.

Allen’s Blunt Message: Itauma Isn’t Ready – Not Even Close

David Allen didn’t mince words. He flat-out claimed that Itauma is nowhere near the level needed to compete with elite heavyweights like Parker, whose resume includes wins over some of the division’s toughest names and a solid record of 36 wins, 3 losses, 24 KOs.

“No one has seen Itauma fight past three rounds. He knocks everyone out almost immediately. So, do we even know who he really is?” — Allen told talkSport Boxing.

Indeed, all of Itauma’s fights so far have ended quickly. He’s yet to prove himself in deep waters against someone with real pedigree and durability.

The Karol Itauma Example – Glitter Can Fade Fast

Allen referenced Karol Itauma, Moses’ older brother, who was once viewed as a golden prospect in the UK boxing scene. But when Karol faced Ezequiel Maderna—a decent but beatable opponent—he was knocked out in the fourth round, and the illusion of invincibility crumbled.

Allen fears that Moses Itauma could suffer the same fate if his handlers move too quickly and throw him in with an opponent as dangerous and experienced as Joseph Parker.

“He’s being matched with low-level fighters. That’s a great way to build a fake record and make quick money. But the moment you put him under the real lights, his true ability will be revealed,” Allen warned.

Joseph Parker: The Ultimate Reality Check

Joseph Parker is not the kind of opponent a young fighter like Itauma should be facing right now. The former world champion has undergone a career renaissance, with dominant performances over Zhang Zhilei, Deontay Wilder, and Simon Kean.

Parker brings high-level experience, world-class defense, and elite stamina to the ring. Facing him would be a nightmare for a fighter like Itauma, who has never been tested past the third round.

“The jump from his current level of opponents to Joseph Parker is too extreme. It would be a disastrous matchup—completely irresponsible,” Allen declared.

The Threat of Real Opponents: Itauma Could Be Exposed

Allen highlighted a list of heavyweight contenders with strong amateur backgrounds and professional experience, any of whom could expose Moses Itauma if he were to face them too soon:

• Richard Torrez Jr. – Olympic silver medalist

• Bakhodir Jalolov – Undefeated Uzbek knockout artist

• Lenier Pero – Slick Cuban heavyweight

• Zhilei Zhang – Devastating southpaw with Olympic pedigree

• Filip Hrgovic – Technically sound and durable

“These guys,” Allen implied, “are real heavyweights. They wouldn’t just beat Itauma—they’d expose the hype.”

Spencer Oliver Agrees: “Let the Kid Develop”

Respected boxing analyst and former European champion Spencer Oliver echoed Allen’s sentiments, emphasizing the importance of proper development over quick paydays.

“The issue isn’t whether he could win right now. The issue is growth. Let the kid develop,” Oliver said.

Oliver believes Itauma needs at least 2 to 3 years of carefully selected opponents before he’s ready to step in with the big boys of the division.

Media Hype and Management Pressure: A Dangerous Mix

Part of the problem, Allen suggests, lies in media hype and promotional greed. Promoters are rushing to capitalize on Itauma’s rising fame, potentially at the cost of his long-term career.

“Pushing a 20-year-old kid who’s never gone past Round 3 into a world title fight is not brave. It’s dangerous,” Allen insisted.

If Itauma suffers a brutal loss early in his career, the psychological damage could derail his future, no matter how talented he may be.

If the WBO Title Becomes Vacant: Who Deserves the Shot?

With the possibility that Oleksandr Usyk may vacate the WBO belt following his undisputed victory over Tyson Fury, the question arises—who deserves the vacant title shot?

Here are the more realistic and deserving candidates:

• Joseph Parker – Ranked highly and coming off massive wins

• Filip Hrgovic – Fresh off a big win over Daniel Dubois

• Jared Anderson – Rising American star with an undefeated record

• Zhang Zhilei – Still a dangerous veteran contender

In this context, pushing Itauma into that mix makes little to no sense, either from a rankings or development standpoint. It would be a rushed and potentially career-threatening decision.

Final Verdict: Don’t Turn a Talent into a Cautionary Tale

There’s no doubt that Moses Itauma is talented. He has speed, power, and composure rare for someone so young. But talent alone isn’t enough at the world level. Experience, stamina, and mental toughness are equally vital.

David Allen and Spencer Oliver are not trying to undermine Itauma. They’re issuing a wake-up call—a plea to protect him from short-sighted decisions that could destroy his career before it even truly begins.

“Let the kid grow. If developed properly, he could become a world champion one day. But if you rush him, he might end up like so many others—wasted potential,” Allen concluded.

The Comparison: Khamzat Chimaev in the UFC vs. Itauma in Boxing

Just as Khamzat Chimaev has been carefully but strategically tested in the UFC to gradually build his experience and profile, Moses Itauma needs a similar roadmap—not a crash course against elite veterans.

The difference? Chimaev was never thrown into a title fight with a top-3 contender after only 12 fights. Boxing needs to adopt the same patience.

Let real fights, not manufactured hype, reveal what Moses Itauma is truly made of. He could be the UK’s next heavyweight icon—but only if he’s protected, guided, and challenged the right way.