This was our preview of Moses Itauma vs Ilja Mezencev – click here for full report and analysis on how Itauma won by second-round stoppage with another brutal display.
Moses Itauma vs Ilja Mezencev provides yet more spice to that massive Tyson Fury vs Oleksandr Usyk ‘Ring of Fire’ card in Riyadh tonight (Saturday May 18).
While Fury and Usyk will lock horns to give the sport its first undisputed champion since Lennox Lewis way back in 1999, there are many other reasons to watch if you’re a close follower of boxing’s marquee weight class.
DAZN: Sign up to watch Fury vs Usyk LIVE!
Notably, Agit Kabayel vs Frank Sanchez matches up a pair of 24-0 prospects in what is now officially a final eliminator for the WBC heavyweight title.
But there will be just as many eyes on a ‘smaller’ heavyweight down the card, one which may have a massive bearing on the division for years to come.
That provides the latest test for 19-year-old British sensation Moses Itauma (8-0) – seen by so many as the future of the sport. A man who is talked of in revered tones by the likes of none other than Tyson Fury himself.
It is also the first time Itauma has fought with a title on the line – this one has the WBO Intercontinental heavyweight belt as the prize. Onwards and upwards for the man Frank Warren believes will be heavyweight boxing’s ‘next big thing’.
Itauma will also have trainer of the moment Ben Davison heading up his corner for the first time tonight. Davison is the man, of course, who masterminded Tyson Fury’s comeback in 2018 and who is now returning Anthony Joshua to former glories.
When is Itauma vs Mezencev?
The big fight will go down tonight (Saturday May 18) on that Fury vs Usyk show in Riyadh’s Kingdom Arena.
Ring walk times are expected to take place around 7.15pm UK time (8.15pm CET, 2.15pm Eastern Time and 11.15am PST if you are watching on the West Coast).
How to watch the fight live
If you are watching in the UK you have a multitude of options for this one, with three outlets all carrying the PPV. You can watch on DAZN PPV, on TNT Sports Box Office (formerly BT Sport) or on Sky Sports Box Office. Take your pick with all pricing just shy of £25.
If you are watching in the United States, then DAZN or ESPN PPV are your platforms of choice with both charging $69.99 for the privilege.
Itauma vs Mezencev weights
The weigh-in for the big showdown took place in Riyadh on Friday May 17, 2024 with Itauma tipping the scales at 239.1lbs (just over 17st 1lbs).
Mezencev meanwhile came in 7lbs lighter at 232.1lbs (a little over 16st 8lbs).
Latest odds
To put it simply, nobody expects Mezencev to rip up the script tonight. A comprehensive Itauma win is confidently predicted.
He is a 1/40 favourite with his opponent 15/1 and the Draw 24/1.
Moses Itauma record
Itauma is a sensational talent, and has built up an 8-0 pro record so far, with 6 of those wins coming inside of distance. As yet he’s not met anybody of true world level, but the talent and freakish power are undeniable.
READ MORE: The inside track on Moses Itauma by the man who coached him
His latest outing was a first-round demolition job on the overmatched Dan Garber in London in March.
Six of Itauma’s wins have come inside a round, including the last four. So DO NOT miss the start of this one.
Ilja Mezencev record
While Mezencev is not expected to dent the record of Itauma tonight, he is expected at least to provide a step up in class for the Chatham phenom.
The German has built up a record of 25-3 with 21 wins inside distance. But no big names stand out on that resume.
If you are looking for any sort of yardstick, two of Mezencev’s losses have come at the hands of Tom Schwarz, who himself was blasted out inside two rounds by Tyson Fury in Las Vegas in 2019.
