Moses Itauma has seemingly been struggling to lure the biggest names into a ring with him.
Itauma may have done himself no favours in that pursuit after demolishing former world title challenger, Dillian Whyte inside the opening round in Riyadh in August.
The 20-year-old prospect has been ordered to face WBA ‘regular’ heavyweight champion, Kubrat Pulev, although the Bulgarian is set to first defend his belt against Murat Gassiev on December 12.
In the meantime, the Brit has been called out for a showdown by fellow rising talent, Richard Torrez Jr.
The 26-year-old is unbeaten in 13 professional fights and believes his southpaw style would provide the perfect test to see if Itauma is ready to face undisputed heavyweight champion, Oleksandr Usyk, who he called out after his devastating win over Whyte.
“I think Itauma’s a great fighter,” Torrez Jr told Sean Zittel.
“His last fight was incredible.
“I want that Itauma fight.
“I think that would be a great fight.
“If everyone wants to know if he’s ready for Usyk or not, look at me.
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“I’m a lefty. I’m a heavyweight. I move a lot. I have pressure. I punch a lot.
“Let’s see how it goes.
“I understand he wants those belts, but we’re both young heavyweights.
“We’re both active. We’re both willing and able.
“I don’t think he would duck that fight.
“I’m not going to duck that fight.
“I would love to have that fight.”
The Californian is set to return to the ring on November 15 in Mexico against the Czech Republic’s Tomas Salek.
Torrez Jr, who has registered a career-best win over Guido Vianello in April, is ranked at 13 with the WBO behind Itauma who is rated as the number one contender behind Usyk and interim champion, Fabio Wardley.
The Olympic Silver medalist also holds a ranking of four with the IBF, above Itauma who is placed at 11.
