Mentioning Tyson invites attention that does Itauma no favors. Tyson was already must-see television before defeating Berbick in 1986 because of the way he destroyed opponents. He pressed forward, stayed in the pocket, threw combinations, and kept attacking until the fight was over. Itauma is not that type of heavyweight. He fights on the outside, waiting to launch one shot rather than remaining close and overwhelming opponents with power shots. When opponents pressure him, he tends to retreat to escape. It’s a style that looks like a bigger version of Shakur Stevenson.
That approach may be effective, but it is not guaranteed to turn him into a pay-per-view attraction. Fans watching Tyson knew they would see aggression and violence.
His personality doesn’t make up for what he lacks in the excitement department. Itauma looks half-asleep during interviews and brings low energy to the promotion. He comes across as dull rather than as a young heavyweight eager to take over the division.
Patterson also won a vacant heavyweight championship, defeating Archie Moore after Rocky Marciano retired. Itauma would not be breaking new ground by taking an available title. He would simply be doing it two months younger than Patterson.
The more revealing contrast remains Tyson. Berbick held the WBC belt when Tyson destroyed him in the ring. Itauma received his opportunity after Oleksandr Usyk relinquished the IBF title and Frank Sanchez agreed to step aside.
Winning would make Itauma an IBF champion, but the promotional campaign is using their ages to connect two fighters whose appeal and championship victories bear little resemblance.
Queensberry also waited too long to present Hrgovic as dangerous. A few interviews during fight week cannot transform him into a marquee name. Daniel Dubois would have brought greater attention from fans, punching power, and a real British rivalry.
The age statistic is being asked to create interest that the matchup, undercard, and promotion have failed to produce. Casual fans do not purchase pay-per-views to watch someone move ahead of Patterson on a list. Their money goes toward fighters and rivalries they already care about.
