Moses Itauma's Rampant Rise as Boxing’s Next Heavyweight Sensation

"The thing is, pressure is always going to be on me,” outlined a composed Moses Itauma, ahead of the biggest and seemingly most testing fight of his promising career so far.

“It's the same job. I like pressure. Pressure is a privilege. Pressure shows you what you're made of,” continued the 20-year-old prospect who has been tipped as the future of the heavyweight division.

There’s already immense pressure in boxing. But there’s a different level for Itauma at this early stage, having been dubbed as 'The Next Mike Tyson’ and a ‘guaranteed’ future World Champion.

"We're about to find out this week. I wouldn't say I try to move away from the pressure, or I try to get rid of it. I like to use it to let it motivate me. I like to use pressure in a good way."

Itauma is the hottest commodity in British boxing and widely regarded as the next superstar of the sport, after bulldozing through every opponent he has faced so far in his two-and-a-half years as a professional.

That’s 12 fights, 12 wins, and 10 knockouts, including seven inside the first round. Such devastation has seen him earmarked for greatness by everyone who’s witnessed his rampant rise so far.

At one point, there were even mutters of Itauma beating Mike Tyson's long-standing 1986 record of becoming the youngest heavyweight World Champion in history at 20 years and four months old.

But, while that ambitious milestone was unattainable (he would have had to win a title by last May), he has long been earmarked for future greatness and regularly likened to ‘Iron Mike’.

Now, at 20 years and seven months, Itauma could earn a title shot with a career-best win over Dillian Whyte this weekend, then potentially become the second-youngest heavyweight champion in history if he were to succeed as expected.

With blistering speed combined with concussive power, technical brilliance from the southpaw stance, and elite composure beyond his years, it’s clear why the hype and expectations have surrounded Itauma from so early on.

While still at school, he was called into gyms around the country for rounds against highly established fighters – ditching his school uniform for sparring with the likes of Tyson Fury, Daniel Dubois, Joe Joyce, and Lawrence Okolie.

Itauma was born in Slovakia to a Nigerian father and a Slovakian mother, before the family moved to England to escape the disgusting racial abuse they suffered, and to pursue new opportunities.

As a kid in a new environment chasing that desired opportunity, he grew up in Kent following the careers of Anthony Joshua, Fury, Derek Chisora, and imminent foe Whyte, dreaming of one day reaching the big stage of boxing too.

Now, with esteemed trainer Ben Davison in his corner, Itauma looks to take the next step on his path towards heavyweight supremacy and become as great as most believe he can be.

Whyte vs Itauma Fight Preview

When is Whyte vs Itauma?

As part of 'Esports World Cup Fight Week’, which also features Friday's awaited Sparring Club, Riyadh: Battle in the Kingdom, the Moses Itauma vs Dillian Whyte fight will take place on Saturday, August 16th.

Where is Whyte vs Itauma taking place?

This awaited heavyweight showdown between rising superstar Itauma and experienced veteran Whyte is set to be held at the ANB Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

What time does Whyte vs Itauma start?

Fight night is due to begin at around 12:45 pm ET / 9:45 am PT / 5:45 pm BST, with the main event ring walks expected to start around 5:20 pm ET / 2:20 pm PT / 10:20 pm BST.

Whyte vs Itauma live stream

Whyte vs Itauma will be broadcast live on DAZN pay-per-view.

Whyte vs Itauma PPV Price

The full event is priced at £19.99 in the UK, $49.99 in the United States, €19.99 in Europe and $49.95 in Australia.

Full Whyte vs Itauma Undercard

Before the heavyweight main event, there are a host of other top names involved, including former and current World Champions.

Here’s the full Whyte vs Itauma undercard line-up below.

Moses Itauma vs Dillian Whyte

Nick Ball vs Sam Goodman

Ray Ford vs Abraham Nova

Filip Hrgovic vs David Adeleye

Hayato Tsutsumi vs Qais Ashfaq

Header image: Queensberry