Who is Moses Itauma? The British heavyweight boxing prospect tipped for superstardom

When a British heavyweight makes his debut on television the interest levels move differently.

Debutants at weight classes below can create excitement but normally this is down to a stellar amateur background featuring an Olympic medal – preferably gold.

Moses Itauma didn’t carry a cloud of hyperbole when he fought for the first time – at 18 years old - as a professional on January 28, 2023, but those who know boxing recognised that this was the birth of a potentially incredible career.

Born in Slovakia to a Nigerian father and Slovakian mother, Moses ‘Enriko’ Itauma was raised in the UK and like thousands of other fellow fighters he first laced the gloves up as a kid.

Trophies, medals and accolades followed winning gold at schools, juniors and youth European level. Itauma also added world gold at a championship in Spain, became a two-time national champion and triumphed as ,Multi-Nation BoxCup winner.

This success is music to the ears when prospective promoters come-a-knocking, but there was something different about Itauma.

Stories emerged of sparring sessions with well established professionals and they were leaving the ring impressed and unsure whether to invite him back. This was a reputation being built behind the scenes. His place in amateur competitions warranted great interest from fans who would find a feed on YouTube and watch Itauma flourish in not so glamorous settings.

Household names like Anthony Joshua, Daniel Dubois and Joe Joyce already knew who Itauma was and the teenager was holding his own against man mountains who are a few inches taller than the 6ft 3ins youngster.

Witnessing Itauma fight, however, is like watching someone who was born for greatness. Itauma took up boxing to win world titles, not amateur competitions, and he was eager to open the door to the unforgiving professional code where fighting isn’t everything.

Itauma is trying to become the youngest man to become a world heavyweight champion, a record held by ‘Iron’ Mike Tyson at 20 years old, 4 months and 23 days.

The 19-year-old will celebrate his 20th birthday on 28th December and to date has fought nine times with seven wins inside the distance.

On 27th July, Itauma faces Polish veteran Mariusz Wach over 10 rounds. The theory behind the matchmaking is that the 6ft 7 ½ins 44-year-old will give the Brit rounds in the ring which has been lacking so far because of the outmatched opponents Itauma has faced to date.

Fighting under the Queensberry Promotions banner under the watchful eye of promoter Frank Warren will benefit Itauma greatly. Warren has seen every type of boxer, every fight and every situation to overcome in the sport. Itauma is also managed by Frank’s son Francis who founded the management group CSM which has a number of heavyweights on its client roster.

Itauma understands the need for patience and time to grow and develop. He also possess a humble quality and will not get carried away with any eye-catching performance.

However, it’s difficult for viewers and fans not to get excited when he puts his punches together to blistering effect. The great ones make their job look effortless and Itauma already falls under that category.

Anthony Joshua’s current trainer Ben Davison – who also trained Tyson Fury during his comeback – is tasked with taking Itauma from rip-roaring prospect to the undisputed heavyweight championship of the world. His fighter isn’t in the business of being known as a WBA or WBC champion, he wants to be known as the king of the heavyweights.

Everything is currently moving at a pace which suits Itauma. His opponents, however, have had no clue how to match the rising star when he puts his foot down. The litmus test isn’t too far away but it’s difficult to imagine anything other than Itauma passing that with flying colours.

There is an inevitability about success for Itauma. The only thing that can prevent it from happening is the man himself.

Shaun Brown

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