Duke McKenzie believes Daniel Dubois is the wrong kind of opponent for Moses Itauma at this stage of his career. The former world champion sees Dubois’ power, experience, and conditioning as major obstacles for the 21-year-old contender.
Itauma must first clear Filip Hrgovic on August 29 at The O2 in London, with the vacant IBF heavyweight title on the line. That bout should offer a clear indication of where the young heavyweight belongs among the elite.
McKenzie expects Hrgovic to test Itauma in ways previous opponents couldn’t manage. Looking beyond that hurdle, he considers Dubois an even tougher challenge.
“Dubois is all wrong for Mo. Just my opinion. He’s all wrong for Moses Itauma right now,” McKenzie said on talkSPORT.
“Dubois is where he needs to be confidence-wise, fitness-wise, power-wise because he’s been there and he’s done a number on some of the other top heavyweights in that division.”
McKenzie referenced Dubois’ eight-round stoppage of Hrgovic in 2024, a bout where Dubois absorbed heavy shots early before taking control.
Itauma has blown through his opposition early, leaving questions about his ability to adjust when an opponent survives his initial attacks. Hrgovic may force him to show that part of his game.
“He hasn’t had to adapt. He’s had everything his own way. He’s hit guys on the chin and they’ve gone over,” McKenzie said. “In this fight, he’s gonna have to have tactics.”
A decisive victory over Hrgovic would strengthen Itauma’s case against the top heavyweights, though McKenzie remains cautious about putting him in with Dubois just yet.
“He’s got the experience on his side,” McKenzie said. “I think stylistically he’s all wrong for Moses Itauma.”
