Famed trainer Abel Sanchez, who is currently working with once-beaten heavyweight contender Filip Hrgovic, says he is interested to find out whether or not British heavyweight David Adeleye is an “elite level” fighter. Adeleye will face Hrgovic in a big step up in class on July 19, this on a solid Riyadh Season card that will take place in Saudi Arabia on August 16.
Sanchez, who spoke with The Ring, said the younger guys of the heavyweight division “have to prove themselves.”
“I’m fine for him [Hrgovic] to face anyone but some of the younger guys have to earn that, not only the shot but warrior status that Joe [Joyce], Dillian Whyte, Derek Chisora, Filip all have – they’ve proved themselves there’s still a way to go for the others,” Sanchez said. “I’ve watched him [Adeleye], he’s a good ranked heavyweight. I’ve watched film, saw him against [Fabio] Wardley as well as his most recent fight, but is he good enough for the elite level? I don’t think he is, we’ll find out.”
Adeleye’s make-or-break moment in Riyadh
Again, in going in with Hrgovic, 18-1(14) the 14-1(13) Adeleye really is taking a big step up. But the gamble might work. Hrgovic is not the hardest guy in the world to hit, and “Big D” can whack. It’s an interesting match-up, for sure.
Speaking about the headlining fight that will take place that night, this between Moses Itauma and Dillian Whyte, Sanchez says that this fight could also answer some questions.
“It’s a fight to show the world he’s ready for the elite level,” Sanchez said in referring to red-hot prospect/contender Itauma. “Dillian is a warrior who has been around a while and done well, but I think this will be a last fight for him and the crowning of a new heavyweight star. Either that, or the fight will show Moses and his team they still have a way to go, if he wins convincingly, we’ll see the rising star everyone has been excited about.”
Some people seem to feel Itauma, 12-0(10) will get 37 year old Whyte out of there pretty quickly, while others feel the 20 year old southpaw might have to dig deeper than he ever has had to do so far. It sure would be interesting to see what happens if Itauma got tagged with a good shot upstairs. But will Whyte, 31-3(21) be able to find Itauma’s chin?