Moses Itauma is seen by most experts as THE next big thing in boxing’s heavyweight division.
The brilliantly talented 20-year-old from Chatham in Kent appears to have absolutely everything – devastating power, speed and remarkable ring IQ for one so young.
Itauma has raced to a 12-0 pro record with 10 of those wins coming inside the first two rounds, and now he is about to step up to a new level in his next fight in Riyadh on Saturday August 16.
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Then Itauma will lock horns with former world title challenger Dillian Whyte (31-3), himself looking to make a statement as he bids to get back towards the top of the division.
Whyte has been relatively inactive since being knocked out by Tyson Fury on his big night at Wembley Stadium three years ago, but now he is doing what some others will not – accepting the challenge to take on the mighty prospect that is Itauma.
He spoke about the fight this week with Kugan Cassius of iFL TV, and while he rates Itauma highly he also had a word of warning for the exciting youngster.
Whyte on Itauma
“He’s a great fighter. He’s achieved a lot already, he’s doing his thing, he’s good, you know. Obviously, he’s doing what he’s supposed to do. You know, he’s beating the guys up that he’s supposed to beat up, and doing everything that’s up to him. But you know, sometimes, sometimes you f*** around and find out.”
When asked if Itauma’s camp are taking a risk by choosing him as an opponent Whyte had time for a joke, answering: “No. I’m, I’m no danger. I’m as soft as a church mouse.”
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Whyte will start as an underdog on August 16 – the oddsmakers have him as a 7/1 shot while Itauma is a prohibitive favourite at 1/14. But ‘The Bodysnatcher’ believes he will pose a problem or two.
“I’m always ready to do damage, bro. I’m always ready to do damage. Damage. Sometimes I’m a little bit too ready to do damage. So I have to try and go the complete opposite way to come back so it’s balanced. There’s not too much the other way, if you know what I mean.”
