Lennox Lewis believes Moses Itauma should swerve a showdown with undisputed heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk.
Itauma called out Usyk after knocking out Dillian Whyte in one round last month in Riyadh and the rising prospect is the number one contender to the Ukrainian’s WBO crown.
Lewis, who was the last Brit to win the undisputed heavyweight championship, insists it’s too early for the 20-year-old to challenge the unbeaten two-weight world champion, who reclaimed the undisputed championship with a fifth round knockout of Daniel Dubois at Wembley Stadium in July.
“Way too soon,” Lewis told Sky Sports.
“You know, it’s better to wait. Wait until he retires.
“He’s not going to stay around too long, then take your shot.
“There’s no use doing it right now.
“Right now you’re learning, you’re learning everything and you have to wait until the right time.
“You can never be rushed. If you’re rushed, you’re going to do a bad result for your career.
“It’s better to take your time and take it when it’s there, when you’re ready.”
Usyk has been ordered to defend his WBO crown against interim champion, Joseph Parker, but the 37-year-old has requested an extension on negotiations due to injury.
The WBO have not made a decision on Usyk’s request and Parker is on the verge of sealing a showdown with Fabio Wardley for October 25 at the O2 Arena.
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Itauma is set to return in Manchester on December 13, his promoter Frank Warren confirmed to BoxNation on Tuesday.
Warren revealed he would be open to matching the Kent man against Filip Hrgovic, provided the Croatian has recovered in time after sustaining a nasty cut in his victory over David Adeleye last month.
Itauma has also been elevated to the number one contender with the WBA and his manager Francis Warren recently named WBA ‘regular’ champion, Kubrat Pulev as a potential option.
