Moses Itauma: The Rising Star of Heavyweight Boxing

Moses Itauma, often referred to as the modern-day gladiator, is swiftly making a name for himself in the heavyweight boxing arena. At just 19 years old, he has already achieved remarkable feats, including a flawless amateur record of 20 wins prior to turning professional in 2023. His latest victory came on December 21, where he stunned Demsey McKean, securing a win in the very first round. This was not just another fight; it marked Itauma's 11th win, contributing to an impressive tally of nine knockouts in his early career.

Fighting under the bright lights of Saudi Arabia, on a card that featured boxing giants Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk, Itauma has come a long way from his early days in Slovakia. "It's part of my identity," he reflects on his mixed heritage, being the son of a Nigerian father and a Slovak mother. He embraces both sides of his lineage, feeling that he's inherited the toughness from his Slovak roots and strength from his Nigerian heritage.

Itauma's boxing journey began at the tender age of nine, despite his initial reluctance to step into the gym. It was the camaraderie with fellow boxers that drew him in, allowing him to channel his competitiveness through sport. Today, he stands as a testament to hard work and talent, having garnered numerous tournament accolades in his teenage years.

After moving to Chatham in Kent at the age of three, his family life revolved around boxing. His elder brother, Karol, led the way by signing with Frank Warren's Queensberry Promotions, which soon followed for Moses when he adopted his middle name as his professional moniker. "Moses sounds strong for a heavyweight," he notes—a fitting description for someone with championship aspirations.

Itauma has set his sights high, famously declaring his ambition to break Mike Tyson's record as the youngest heavyweight champion. To surpass Tyson's achievement, he needs to win the title by May 19, 2025. While the goal is clear, Itauma acknowledges the challenges posed by more seasoned fighters hesitant to face a rising prospect like him.

His trainer, Ben Davison, who is no stranger to guiding champions, believes Itauma has the potential to leave an indelible mark in the heavyweight division. With a perfect blend of raw talent, determination, and the right mentorship, the future seems bright for this emerging boxing star. As long as he keeps his focus and continues to grow, Itauma may very well become one of the greats in heavyweight boxing history.

Key Takeaways:

• Record: Moses Itauma boasts 11 professional wins, including nine by knockout.
• Heritage: His Slovak and Nigerian roots play a significant role in shaping his identity and career.
• Goals: Aiming to break Mike Tyson's record poses both motivation and obstacles.
• Training: Under the tutelage of Ben Davison, Itauma is honing his skills amidst seasoned champions.

As the boxing world watches, Moses Itauma’s journey promises to be one filled with excitement, challenges, and historic accomplishments in the making.