Itauma is just 20 years old, but has already had 12 fights and won 10 of them by impressive KO. He has fought the likes of Mariusz Wach and Demsey McKean and stopped both of them inside the first two rounds.
In August, he takes on former world title challenger Whyte, who has fought the likes of Tyson Fury, Anthony Joshua, Derek Chisora and many more top-level fighters, so he has plenty of experience at this level.
Speaking to Ring Magazine, Saudi chief Turki Alalshikh initially explained his approach to matching boxers like Itauma, who are still in the early stages of their careers.
“I think this is the right time to have tests like this. I don’t like the fighters keep reaching 20, 25 fights without fighting real fights.”
He then outlined what will happen should Itauma come through the Whyte fight.
“We will have for him something as a proposal in November, something like Bakole or something like this, and from there let’s see.”
Bakole was once one of the most avoided heavyweights in the game, but a couple of poor results have set him back. The first was a two-round stoppage loss to Joseph Parker, admittedly after stepping in at no notice to replace the ill Daniel Dubois back in February.
Then, a matter of weeks later, he was lucky to get a draw against Efe Ajagbe after a below-par showing. A win over Itauma could prove a good way back to the top, while a loss would surely see him slide even further from world level.