Moses Itauma: A Rising Star in Heavyweight Boxing
Moses Itauma has emerged as a formidable contender in the boxing arena, showcasing his potential to succeed Oleksandr Usyk as the heavyweight champion with a spectacular performance this month in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The 20-year-old heavyweight prospect, who was recently recognized as one of the 25 premier up-and-coming fighters in combat sports by Uncrowned, astounded fans and experts alike by dispatching veteran Dillian Whyte, a former title challenger, in under two minutes.
Impressive Victory Over Dillian Whyte
While many anticipated a decisive victory for Itauma over Whyte, the speed and finesse of the knockout were surprising.
“We always knew it could end quickly, depending on Dillian’s strategy,”
said Itauma’s trainer Ben Davison during his appearance on the “Ariel x Ade” show on DAZN.
“Dillian approached the fight from a perspective that surprised us; we didn’t expect him to open up like that. Throughout the fight, Moses displayed the ability to adapt and execute his game plan effectively.”
Training and Development
Previously worked with respected names such as Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua, Davison, just 32, runs a distinctive training regimen in Harlow, Essex. His methods focus heavily on analyzing fight footage and strategizing based on opponents’ tendencies, a practice influenced by his background in English soccer.
Since joining Davison’s team at the start of 2024, Itauma has been perfecting his craft, demonstrating exceptional talent over his first few bouts, all of which have lasted less than eight rounds combined.
“Moses is not just naturally gifted but also a dedicated worker,”
Davison commented.
“His commitment and focus set him apart from many other fighters. Emotional maturity, crucial at his age, allows him to perform at a consistently high level.”
Grounded Attitude and Future Challenges
Contrary to expectations surrounding a hyped young heavyweight, Itauma is both respectful toward his opponents and confident about his abilities. Having sparred with top-tier boxers like Lawrence Okolie since he was 15, he maintains a grounded attitude despite his growing reputation. Davison noted that Itauma felt somewhat unchallenged after his swift victory against Whyte, highlighting his expectation for more rigorous challenges in the ring.
Although Itauma continues to rack up impressive wins, there is an eagerness among fans for him to face higher-caliber opponents. However, both Davison and promoter Frank Warren emphasize the importance of taking a measured approach to his development, ensuring he gains the necessary experience before stepping into the ring with elite heavyweights.
Looking Ahead: Potential Matchup with Usyk
While the clock is ticking on Usyk, who is rumored to have one fight left in his career, the possibility of a matchup with Itauma is tantalizing for many in the boxing community. Davison believes that while Itauma possesses the requisite skill set to compete against Usyk, he still needs more rounds under his belt.
“If Moses were to face Usyk right now and lose, we’d need to reflect on what could have been done better, and ultimately, that comes down to experience in the ring,”
Davison asserted.
Future Prospects
Looking ahead, Itauma’s next opponent is yet to be revealed, though Davison hinted that they are targeting a top-10 heavyweight contender. This prospect promises to elevate Itauma’s standing within the division significantly. In parallel, former unified heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua is eying a comeback for late 2025, potentially against Jake Paul, who is seen as a dangerous mismatch by many, including Davison. He remarked,
“Joshua’s aim is clear; he wants to reclaim a world title, and only time will tell how the next steps unfold as the boxing landscape continues to evolve.”
