Johnny Nelson believes Moses Itauma should avoid a fight with WBA heavyweight champion Murat Gassiev and instead pursue the vacant IBF title against Frank Sanchez.
Itauma has won all 14 of his professional fights, with 12 victories coming by stoppage, and has yet to go beyond the sixth round. The 21-year-old is now closing in on a world title opportunity, though he must first face Filip Hrgovic on August 29 at the O2 Arena in London.
The unbeaten Briton is the WBO mandatory challenger and has also been ordered to face Sanchez for the vacant IBF belt following Oleksandr Usyk’s decision to vacate the title. Gassiev is another possible route after being elevated to full WBA champion and stopping Peter Kadiru in six rounds in his first defense.
Nelson, however, believes Gassiev’s experience and intelligence would make him the wrong opponent for Itauma at this stage.
“Gassiev is a good fighter,” Nelson said. “He boxed Usyk and he caused him problems. He is a clever guy, so I wouldn’t go there yet for Moses.”
Asked which route he would prefer, Nelson gave a direct answer: “Sanchez.”
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