In the world of boxing, where power meets precision and only the toughest survive, Moses Itauma is quietly making a name for himself. At just 20 years old, the Nigerian-British boxer has already turned heads with a flawless record, explosive performances, and a maturity far beyond his years.
The unbeaten prospect, who proudly traces his Nigerian heritage through his father, describes his roots and family as a constant source of pride as he prepares for the biggest test of his professional career against Dillian Whyte in Saudi Arabia on Saturday, August 16.
Itauma currently holds both the WBO Intercontinental and WBA International heavyweight titles, accolades that signal his steady rise toward the sport’s elite level.
From Kežmarok to Kent
Born on December 28, 2004, in the small Slovakian town of Kežmarok, Itauma’s life began far from the bright lights of the boxing ring. His Nigerian father and Slovakian mother worked hard to provide for the family, but racial discrimination in Slovakia eventually drove them to seek a fresh start in England. In 2008, the Itaumas settled in Chatham, Kent, a move that changed the trajectory of Itauma’s life.
A Family Affair in Boxing
Boxing was not a random choice for Itauma; it was in the family. His older brother, Karol Itauma, a decorated amateur and now a professional light-heavyweight, lit the spark. Inspired by Karol’s discipline and success, Itauma laced up his gloves at just nine years old. The talent was obvious from day one: quick hands, sharp instincts, and an unshakeable confidence.
An Amateur Star in the Making
Before stepping into the paid ranks, Itauma carved out an enviable amateur career. National titles, European championships, and even a world championship medal decorated his rise. Coaches and scouts hailed him as one of Britain’s brightest boxing hopes, with a style that combined raw power with a surprising level of tactical thinking for someone so young.
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The 23-Second Statement
In January 2023, at just 18, Itauma signed with Frank Warren’s Queensberry Promotions. His professional debut was nothing short of explosive: a 23-second demolition job that sent a clear message to the heavyweight division. Southpaw stance, blistering hand speed, and knockout power became his trademarks. One of his most eye-catching victories came against seasoned veteran Mariusz Wach, stopping him in two rounds, quicker than any opponent had before.
Climbing the Ranks
In less than two years, Itauma has compiled a perfect 12-0 record, with 10 knockouts, all inside the first two rounds. He now holds both the WBO Inter-Continental and WBA International heavyweight titles. His next challenge? A showdown with former world title challenger Dillian Whyte in Saudi Arabia, a fight many see as a defining moment in his career.
Learning Under Elite Guidance
Itauma’s development has been overseen by respected trainer Ben Davison, whose résumé includes guiding Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua. Under Davison’s watchful eye, Itauma has evolved from a pure knockout artist into a more measured, strategic fighter. Sparring sessions with Fury, Joshua, and Joe Joyce have further hardened his skills and mentality.
Lights, Cameras, Big Stage
Despite his youth, Itauma has already tasted the pressure of high-profile events, appearing on the undercard of Tyson Fury’s rematch with Oleksandr Usyk. Each outing seems to strengthen his composure under the spotlight, a quality vital for any fighter dreaming of world titles.
The Tyson Dream
When Itauma first turned pro, he set his sights on Mike Tyson’s record as the youngest-ever heavyweight champion. Tyson was 20 years and four months old when he made history in 1986. But reality hit quickly.
“In the first two months of being professional, I realised that goal’s impossible,” Itauma told BBC’s 5 Live Boxing. “I didn’t realise how much you can’t control in this boxing game.”
Facing the Division’s Reality Check
Since Itauma’s debut, the heavyweight belts have been in the hands of Daniel Dubois, Oleksandr Usyk, and Tyson Fury, giants of the sport; he admits he would not have been ready to face them in his first professional year. Still, his steady rise is winning him fans who see him as more than just a marketing project.
Not Just a Hype Job
Marketed early as “the teenager who could break Tyson’s record”, Itauma insists the hype wasn’t manufactured. Known by the nickname Enriko, he has shown enough in the ring to suggest he could one day sit among the division’s elite.
The Physical Blueprint
Itauma fights at a solid 235–250 lbs. In his most recent outing against Demsey McKean, he tipped the scales at 249 lbs, combining his natural size with explosive speed.
Inspiration and Style
Growing up, Itauma was captivated by Prince Naseem Hamed’s flamboyance, studying highlight reels for hours. While his style is more direct, he has borrowed elements of Hamed’s creativity, adding a touch of unpredictability to his approach.
Itauma will be bidding to add Dillian Whyte to his growing list of knockout victims in Saudi Arabia this Saturday.
Itauma’s story is still being written. From a small Slovakian town to the bright lights of global boxing stages, he carries the hopes of fans who believe they’re witnessing the rise of a future world champion. If his early career is anything to go by, the heavyweight division might have to make room for a new king in the coming years.
