Moses Itauma is now just nine days out from the biggest test of his heavyweight boxing life.
On Saturday August 16 the exciting 20-year-old – now 12-0 as a pro – will lock horns with former world title challenger Dillian Whyte in an eagerly-awaited showdown in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
It’s the first time Itauma has headlined a major bill, and it’s the first time he has faced somebody of genuine elite level, a real step up from the young Brit who is taking boxing by storm.
READ MORE: Moses Itauma given ‘disaster’ warning as Turki Alalshikh pitches superfight
Almost all of the pre-fight talk is about Moses as his devastating mix of speed, power and remarkable ring IQ continue to suggest that a world title awaits at some stage in the near future.
But Itauma will not take the man in the opposite corner lightly as the 37-year-old Whyte (31-3) has just as much to gain on Saturday week, if not more.
Dillian has been relatively inactive since flopping on his big night at Wembley in 2022 – that WBC world title challenge vs Tyson Fury. He was knocked out in Round 6 after a hugely disappointing performance against ‘The Gypsy King’.
Old wolf vs young wolf
Whyte knows the narrative here – he says “they’re trying to feed the old wolf to the young wolf” – it is the perfect analogy of this much-hyped fight. He also knows he has an opportunity to tear up that script and breathe new life into his flagging career.
Speaking during a camp video filmed by DAZN, he said: “[A win] does everything for my career. Brings my career back. Obviously, I’ve been a bit in the long grass for the last couple of years. Obviously, in misfortunate situations, I’ve been a bit in the long grass, just chipping away, bobbing and weaving. So yeah, Moses, a win over Moses is a chance for me to get back in the big time and to hopefully challenge the world title again.
“I’ve always had the harsh end of the stick in boxing, man. I still believe there’s still a lot more left for me to achieve and I still believe there’s a lot left for me to give. You know, obviously, I’ve been written off. Everyone’s put me as the underdog. I’ve been written off. And you know, I ain’t got nothing to prove to no one. And I’m a risk taker. I’ve always been a risk taker, you know me. If I didn’t take risks, I wouldn’t be alive today. You know, from where I’ve come from, and what I’ve done. If I didn’t take risks, I would not be alive.”
READ MORE: Ben Davison reveals the one ‘significant’ fact about Moses Itauma hype
That old wolf/young wolf narrative is one Whyte feels comfortable talking about – it’s a role he feels eminently suited to after the amazing life he has led.
“They’re trying to feed the old wolf to the young wolf. But I’d just say, listen, it’s like this: I’ve been an alpha male in a pack. I’ve been around the pack a long time. I understand the pack mentality.
“And you know, maybe I’m (an) old wolf but my teeth are still sharp, so. Listen, I’m out there to win. You know, obviously, I carry power in both hands. I’m sure he does the same. You know, so yeah. Let’s see. You know, I’m gonna do whatever it takes to win.”
READ MORE: Heavyweight rankings – the definitive list with every sanctioning body
