George Groves believes Moses Itauma represents a harder fight for Oleksandr Usyk than a rematch with Daniel Dubois.
Itauma made a ferocious statement on the undercard of Usyk’s second straight victory over Tyson Fury on Saturday, destroying Demsey McKean inside a round in Riyadh, with Dubois watching on from ringside.
Dubois, who was stopped by Usyk in nine rounds last August, stormed the Ukrainian’s post-fight interview demanding a rematch.
Former super middleweight world champion, Groves however thinks rising young star, Itauma, who turns 20-year-old later this month would be his toughest task.
“I can’t see anyone beating him,” the 36-year-old said on his podcast The George Groves Boxing Club.
“If you said to me, make a list of people who could challenge Oleksandr Usyk, you’d go, ‘right, Daniel Dubois.’
“I think Moses Itauma is a harder fight than Daniel Dubois for Usyk.
“I genuinely think so.
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“Who wants that fight?
“No one wants that fight.”
The Kent man is already ranked at six with the WBO behind Usyk, who holds that belt as well as the WBC and WBO crowns, with Dubois defending his IBF strap against Joseph Parker on February 22.
The 19-year-old has spoken of his desire to beat Mike Tyson’s record in becoming the youngest ever heavyweight world champion, but Groves suspects it may prove difficult to secure fights for him.
“It’s getting to that point now where you need to put him in with some real gatekeepers,” he added.
“Is it Dillian Whyte?
“Is it Joe Joyce?
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“None of these guys will want a taste of Itauma.
“They’ve got to pay them like it’s a massive title fight, because they’re on a hiding to nothing.”
Usyk said he would have no issues with fighting Dubois again, should he prevail against Parker, a fight which would give him the opportunity to create further history by becoming the first ever two-time undisputed heavyweight champion.
