Moses Itauma: A Rising Star in Heavyweight Boxing
Moses Itauma is quickly becoming a standout name in the British boxing heavyweight scene. At just 20 years old, this prodigious talent has captured the cameras and the imaginations of fans across the UK, drawing comparisons to some of the greats of the sport. Over his brief professional journey, which spans a little over two years, he has completed 12 fights, winning each one, with an impressive 10 of those victories coming by way of knockout. Remarkably, he hasn’t fought beyond the second round since his fourth match, igniting discussions about his potential to eclipse Mike Tyson’s record as the youngest heavyweight champion in history. Although Itauma missed the opportunity to claim a title in May, many still see him as a future champion with the skills and tenacity to achieve greatness.
Overcoming Challenges
Itauma’s ascent in boxing was not without its challenges, though. There was a period when he struggled to maintain his passion for the sport, feeling stagnant and unable to grow as a fighter.
“I just felt like I reached a barrier, and I was just unable to surpass that barrier,”
he shared with reporters as he prepares for a fight against veteran heavyweight Dillian Whyte in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia on August 16. Having trained alongside seasoned heavyweights such as Daniel Dubois and Tyson Fury, Itauma was keenly aware of the demands of the sport and felt discouraged about his own progress.
Finding the Right Guidance
As a child, Moses looked up to figures like Anthony Joshua and Derek Chisora, aspiring to be on their level. Nevertheless, he found himself at a crossroads, experimenting with various trainers in an effort to refine his skills. His fortunes shifted dramatically when he met Ben Davison, a highly regarded coach known for nurturing talents such as Joshua and Fury. Initially hesitant to join Davison’s gym due to concerns about sharing the spotlight among other fighters, Itauma was encouraged by his brother, fellow boxer Karol Itauma, to give it a shot.
Upon stepping into Davison’s gym for the first time, Itauma discovered that Davison’s attention to detail and coaching style resonated with him.
“As I walked through the doors, I saw Ben analyzing my fights and taking notes. He pointed out things I was doing and emphasized areas for improvement,”
Itauma recalled. This moment marked a turning point in his career as Davison structured a training regimen that expanded Itauma’s understanding of the sport.
Evolution of a Fighter
“With Ben, I learned that boxing is much more sophisticated than merely exchanging hits. It’s a strategic game, similar to chess,”
he explained, reflecting on how his training evolved.
“Initially, I found myself frustrated during sparring while trying to grasp this complex approach. But with practice, just like driving, my skills improved over time.”
Looking Ahead
As Moses Itauma prepares for the next chapter of his career against heavyweight contender Whyte, the journey he has undertaken highlights the importance of mentorship and adaptability in achieving success. His story serves as a reminder that while the path to greatness can become obscured by challenges, the right guidance can lead the way to extraordinary heights in the world of sports.
