Former world champion Tony Bellew and Boxxer CEO Ben Shalom clashed on June 13, 2026, over the matchmaking of heavyweight prospect Moses Itauma and super lightweight Adam Azim. During a heated debate, Tony Bellew argued that the rising stars are being matched too carefully, claiming they “learned nothing” from recent victories.
He warned that keeping them in uncompetitive bouts will stall their growth before they reach the elite level of the sport.
The debate highlights a growing tension in British boxing between commercial promotion and athletic development. While Ben Shalom maintains that both fighters are exceptionally young—Moses Itauma is 21 and Adam Azim is 23—Tony Bellew believes their talent justifies much steeper opposition. The former cruiserweight king specifically labeled the recent choice of opponents as “useless” for their long-term progression.
Moses Itauma recently moved his record to 14-0 with a fifth-round TKO of Jermaine Franklin on March 28 at the Co-op Live Arena in Manchester. Meanwhile, Adam Azim extended his unbeaten run to 15-0 by halting veteran Steve Claggett in three rounds on May 30. Despite the dominant results, Tony Bellew insisted that these victories serve as little more than target practice for the prospects.
Tony Bellew criticizes Moses Itauma matchmaking after Franklin win
Tony Bellew did not hold back in his assessment of the heavyweight landscape, specifically questioning why Moses Itauma is not being pushed harder. He argued that the southpaw powerhouse needs to find out how his body reacts in the later stages of a contest.
“Moses needs to go past six rounds,” Tony Bellew stated, noting that professional fights for the heavyweight currently last an average of only 2.2 rounds.
The former champion suggested that putting a talent like Moses Itauma in with durable veterans like Jermaine Franklin was supposed to provide work, but it failed to do so because of the skill gap. He even noted that while Jarrell Miller backs Filip Hrgovic to beat the youngster, tougher tests are objectively required.
Bellew floated Andy Ruiz as an ideal opponent, noting he “throws enough punches” and would force the youngster to think under pressure.
Ben Shalom countered by reminding the panel that the heavyweight division is notoriously dangerous for young athletes. He argued that at just 21 years old, Moses Itauma has plenty of time to acclimatize to the top tier.
The promoter believes the value of these fights lies in the training camps and the “reps” of performing under the bright lights of major arenas like the Co-op Live Arena.
Assessing the ceiling for Adam Azim in the super lightweight division
The discussion shifted to Adam Azim, whom Ben Shalom described as having a “pound-for-pound” ceiling. The promoter defended the recent match against Steve Claggett by pointing out that the Canadian had not been stopped in over a decade. Tony Bellew remained unimpressed, comparing the match to a heavy bag session and insisting that the outcome was a foregone conclusion that taught the fighter very little.
Promoters often have to balance the risk of a loss with the need to build a brand that can sell tickets. Ben Shalom admitted that a major part of his job is ensuring that when Adam Azim eventually fights for a world title, he is a significant enough draw to headline a major stadium.
“No one wants to be a world champion and not draw,” the Boxxer boss explained during the exchange.
This commercial focus often puts promoters at odds with former fighters like Tony Bellew, who prioritize learning through 50-50 contests. While some fans roast athletes for perceived easy paths, those managing the careers often see the slow build as the only way to ensure longevity. Shalom is currently eyeing a potential world title shot for Azim on the BBC.
Future path for Moses Itauma and the heavyweight rankings
Despite the criticism, the rankings for Moses Itauma suggest a world title shot could come sooner than his detractors expect. The heavyweight is currently ranked 1st by the WBA and WBO, 3rd by the WBC and IBF, and 6th by The Ring magazine.
Tony Bellew explicitly stated that the youngster is “not ready for Oleksandr Usyk in any way, shape or form” until he scales up his competition.
There are reports that Moses Itauma will return to the O2 Arena in London on July 25, 2026. The rumored opponent list for that date includes significant names like Filip Hrgovic, Deontay Wilder, and Murat Gassiev. If such a fight materializes, it would directly address Tony Bellew’s concerns about the careful nature of his current management and provide the rounds he desperately needs.
Success at the heavyweight level requires more than just power; it requires the stamina to compete over 12 frames. With a massive Fury-Joshua bout looming in late 2026, the path is clear for a new generation to prove their worth. Moses Itauma and Adam Azim must now decide if they will remain on the careful path or take the risks Tony Bellew is calling for.
Promotional goals for Adam Azim and an IBF title opportunity
Ben Shalom has already begun laying the groundwork for Adam Azim to fight for a major belt in the 140-pound division. He indicated plans to approach the teams of Lindolfo Delgado or Arthur Biyarslanov to potentially step aside, clearing the way for Adam Azim to challenge for the vacant IBF title next. This move would silence critics who believe the young fighter is being protected.
The promoter is also eyeing a domestic grudge match against WBC champion Dalton Smith. Ben Shalom stated he wants this to be a pay-per-view event within Adam Azim’s next two fights, aiming to maximize the commercial impact. This strategy aligns with his goal of turning the 23-year-old into a household name before the ultimate tests of his career arrive.
The debate between Tony Bellew and Ben Shalom serves as a microcosm of the modern boxing industry. One side values the trial-by-fire that creates battle-hardened veterans, while the other values the strategic construction of a superstar. Both Moses Itauma and Adam Azim will have to navigate these differing philosophies as they enter the most critical phase of their development.
