Moses Itauma: A Rising Star in Heavyweight Boxing
Moses Itauma, a rising heavyweight boxer, quickly gained prominence in the sport, evidenced by his swift knockout victory over fellow fighter Dillian Whyte in under two minutes during their WBO Intercontinental title bout last August. Although he is only 21 years old, Itauma has been on a journey of self-discovery that extends beyond the boxing ring.
Reconnecting with His Roots
A pivotal moment in this journey occurred when he traveled to Nigeria, his father’s homeland, late last year. This trip helped him realize the significance of his African roots and provided him clarity on his identity.
In an interview with BBC Sport Africa, Itauma expressed his enlightenment, reflecting, “This isn’t just my boxing; this is kind of my personal life.”
He mentioned grappling with existential questions about his heritage, including his appearance and thought processes. Having been born in Slovakia to a Slovakian mother and now representing Britain in the ring, Itauma’s background is filled with complexity, compounded by experiencing racial discrimination during his childhood in Slovakia.
Upcoming Fight and Personal Growth
As he gears up for his upcoming fight against Jermaine Franklin in Manchester on March 28, Itauma is still processing the profound impact of reconnecting with his Nigerian roots. “I don’t know how to describe it. Something made me grateful just to be there,” he said, conveying a deep-seated sense of belonging that is difficult to articulate.
Despite his relatively young age, Itauma’s physique and knockout power have impressed many, culminating in an undefeated record of 13 professional bouts since January 2023, with 11 wins by way of knockout. His recent triumph over Whyte in Saudi Arabia showcased his potential and strength.
Interestingly, upon arriving at Lagos’ Murtala Muhammed Airport, he noticed a stark contrast to his treatment in Slovakia. The airport staff approached him with pride, acknowledging his success as a Nigerian-born athlete, a recognition he had never received in his early life.
“I was saying to my mum, nobody even shook my hand in Slovakia and said congratulations. I go to Nigeria as the same person and they treat me very well,”
he stated, highlighting the warmth and pride he felt from the Nigerian people.
The Broader Context of British-Nigerian Boxers
Several British-Nigerian boxers, including Anthony Joshua and Lawrence Okolie, have sought to reconnect with their roots, making appearances in Nigeria. However, some feel the economic realities may not favor such ventures. Remi Aboderin, general secretary of the Nigeria Boxing Board of Control, emphasized that these fighters are contributing to the growth of the Nigerian boxing scene rather than pursuing profitable ventures solely.
Yet, Itauma’s homecoming was distinctly promoted by a local betting firm, suggesting that commercial interests may intertwine with cultural connection.
The powerful energy Itauma felt in Nigeria led him to need several days of rest upon returning to the UK, demonstrating how moving the experience was for him. He shared a personal anecdote about seeking guidance from his secondary school teacher regarding racial identity in Kent, revealing how perceptions change based on achievement.
Looking Ahead
As he trains for a significant bout against Franklin, a potential world title shot looms on the horizon, along with an increasing likelihood of support from Nigerian fans. With each passing moment, Itauma’s boxing career simultaneously illustrates his struggles and triumphs as a young man navigating his identity between two disparate worlds.
