Torrez wants Itauma fight: 'I don't run from smoke'

Richard Torrez is not dodging Moses Itauma.

The unbeaten heavyweight told The Ring that he wants to face Itauma after his IBF elimination bout against Frank Sanchez this weekend in Giza, Egypt. While most contenders avoid the rising British prospect, Torrez said he is ready for that challenge. "I'm about that action, man," he said, per The Ring. "I think it'd be fireworks. I don't run from smoke."

Why Torrez believes he can beat Itauma

Torrez thinks his speed and conditioning would give Itauma problems that previous opponents like Dillian Whyte and Jermaine Franklin could not. The 26-year-old from Tulare, California pointed to his 2020 Olympic silver medal and amateur pedigree as proof of his technical foundation. "He hasn't really fought anybody that has that speed and quickness," Torrez said. "I would like to throw my hat in there and just see how it goes."

Itauma is expected to face Filip Hrgovic on August 8. If neither Itauma nor Torrez can secure a shot at Oleksandr Usyk after their respective bouts, a clash between the two could be next. Torrez faces Sanchez in a 12-rounder on the Usyk-Rico Verhoeven undercard Saturday, streaming on DAZN.

Source: ringmagazine.com