Former world champion Tony Bellew has identified the ideal heavyweight contender to help nurse Moses Itauma back to championship form, suggesting a strategic clash against Jarrell “Big Baby” Miller as the youngster looks to rebuild his career.
Itauma, who has long been heralded as one of the most exciting and explosive prospects in the heavyweight division, recently suffered a crushing setback that interrupted his meteoric rise. Prior to that pivotal crossroads bout against Filip Hrgovic, the young contender’s promotional handlers had famously struggled to secure mid-tier opponents willing or able to extend him past the second round. Opponents routinely crumbled under the raw power and blinding speed of the rising star, leaving his team searching for someone durable enough to give the prospect valuable championship-distance experience.
Ultimately, his team settled on Jermaine Franklin to fill that crucial developmental gap. Franklin proved his mettle by showing a commendable level of durability, absorbing heavy fire before ultimately succumbing to an emphatic fifth-round stoppage defeat in March. That victory appeared to validate Itauma’s readiness to step up significantly in competition, paving the way for what was widely viewed within the boxing community as a calculated risk against Hrgovic.
At the time of the booking, Hrgovic had reached the absolute periphery of the world-class heavyweight scene. However, traditional boxing wisdom suggested the rugged Croatian might prove too slow, methodical, and cumbersome for the electrifying, lightning-fast hands of Itauma. For the vast majority of the bout, that pre-fight assessment appeared entirely accurate. Throughout the first eight rounds, Itauma routinely outclassed his more experienced adversary, even managing to drop the Croatian to the canvas with a sharp knockdown in the early stages of the contest.
Yet, heavyweight boxing remains a sport where one single moment can completely rewrite a narrative. In the ninth round of the high-stakes encounter, the dynamic shifted dramatically. An exhausted Itauma, visibly feeling the championship-level pace for the first time in his professional career, was caught and suffered a stunning stoppage defeat at the hands of the resilient Croatian. That single, punishing sequence not only halted Itauma’s undefeated march but also saw Hrgovic claim the vacant IBF world title in dramatic fashion in August.
In the wake of that grueling loss, the boxing landscape surrounding Itauma has shifted entirely. Industry analysts and insiders widely expect the young fighter to return to the ring early next year against a carefully selected, less dangerous opponent to rebuild his confidence, test his stamina, and iron out the tactical flaws exposed during his first career defeat.
Weighing in on the strategic path forward, former cruiserweight world champion Tony Bellew offered a very specific recommendation during an appearance on the Fight Your Corner platform. Bellew believes that rather than rushing back into elite company or destroying another overmatched journeyman in a matter of seconds, Itauma should be matched against Jarrell “Big Baby” Miller.
Detailing his rationale, Bellew explained the vital importance of pacing and durability for a fighter of Itauma’s tender age and explosive style. “Do you know what would be a good comeback fight for Moses? Jarrell Miller,” Bellew told Fight Your Corner. “The worst thing you can do is throw that kid in and it’s over in a round. The boy needs rounds — and the best way to get him rounds is [against] Jarrell Miller. Jarrell Miller’s not a puncher; he’s never been a puncher. He’s the heaviest punchbag I’ve ever seen in my life.”
Bellew’s tactical breakdown highlights Miller’s unique physical profile and fighting style. Known for his relentless pressure, immense size, and incredible physical durability, Miller has built a reputation as a fighter who absorbs a high volume of punches while marching forward, rather than a concussive one-punch knockout artist who can instantly end a fight with a single blow.
Miller currently sits comfortably ranked as the number one contender by the WBA, sitting directly behind full champion Murat Gassiev. The American heavyweight is coming off a hard-earned unanimous decision victory over Lenier Pero in April, a win that further cemented his standing near the top tier of the division. That steady campaign follows a mixed run of recent results at the elite level, which includes a stoppage loss to the towering Daniel Dubois and a competitive draw against former unified heavyweight champion Andy Ruiz Jr.
Whether Itauma’s promotional team decides to heed Bellew’s veteran advice and pursue a tactical, high-volume test against the American remains to be seen. However, as the young prospect prepares to step back through the ropes early next year, the boxing world will be watching closely to see how he responds to the first adversity of his professional career.
