Billy Joe Saunders has been full of praise for rising heavyweight superstar Moses Itauma.
Itauma will look to make the biggest step in his career at the end of this month as he takes on Filip Hrgovic for the IBF title on August 29.
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Itauma is chasing heavyweight history and has been compared to heavyweight icon AliCredit: Getty
Victory will see him become the second youngest ever heavyweight world champion since Mike Tyson, who recorded the feat at 20 with Itauma currently 21.
Naturally the British bruiser has been compared to Tyson and many other greats, having yet to be beaten and carrying a real invincibility aura.
But former two-weight world champion Saunders has got one step further on the latest episode of talkBOXING.
When asked about the 21-year-old sensation, he said: “I think he’s the best I’ve seen since Muhammad Ali.
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“He has got that back foot, front foot. You’ve got that slip counter. H
“He’s the only heavyweight I know who can lean off and throw a lead uppercut and finish you with two or three shots after in a split second.
“Balance, his feet, everything about him. He’s unbelievable. I’m probably his biggest fan. He amazes me.”
Boxing legend Ali is widely considered the greatest fighter of all-time inside and outside the ring.
So the fact Itauma is already being compared as the next best is a glowing endorsement, prior to securing any major accolades at world level.
When asked if British rival Daniel Dubois would beat him in a blockbuster stadium fight, Saunders added simply: “No.”
Of course the Chatham native has a way to go before brushing shoulders with the greats of the past.
He will need big-name and quality dance partners to justify his inclusion with the blue-riband elite.
Itauma – no-one will beat him he’s a phenom
Of course the road map for Itauma will see him come up against some difficult tests if he is to blaze his route to undisputed status.
First up is Hrgovic, then he will likely be enforced to face Frank Sanchez in a maiden defence.
Then the likes of Dubois, Agit Kabayel and many others will be involved en route.
But Saunders still believes that none of the current greats are any match for the gifted talent.
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He added: “I don’t give any heavyweight whatsoever at the moment against him.
“Kabayel is very very good, he will bring another box of tricks, but I don’t think he’d beat him.
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“One thing I will say is he needs a 12-round test, but who is going to give him them rounds?
“But sadly for all the other heavyweights, Itauma is here, he’s in England and I love it.”