On the ever-evolving stage of heavyweight boxing, a young titan of Nigerian descent is beginning to cast an intimidating shadow. Moses Itauma has stormed the professional arena with the ferocity of a man on a mission. With an unblemished 11-0 record and nine crushing knockouts, the 20-year-old British-born fighter is drawing comparisons to Mike Tyson. “I’m a modern-day gladiator,” Itauma proclaims. “I just get into the arena and have to fight.” His devastating blend of speed, power, and razor-sharp ring IQ is quickly making believers out of boxing purists.
Itauma’s early years were shaped by racial discrimination, prompting his family to relocate to Chatham, Kent. Despite this adversity, Itauma discovered a unique resilience, crediting both sides of his heritage.
“I think I got the best of both worlds, that Slovak toughness, mentality, and I’m strong physically from my Nigerian side,” he says. Itauma first laced up gloves at age nine, encouraged by his older brother Karol. Initially, he didn’t enjoy boxing, but after returning to the sport, something clicked. Inspired by Prince Naseem Hamed, Itauma began forging his own style.
Itauma’s professional career has been marked by explosive victories, including a 23-second debut against Marcel Bode and a 35-second demolition of Ramon Ibarra. His dominance has earned praise from champions and mentors, including Ben Davison, who guided Tyson Fury and currently works with Anthony Joshua. Davison believes Itauma has the tools to become one of the greatest heavyweights of all time. Tyson Fury himself dubbed Itauma “the future of the heavyweight division” after sparring with him.
As Itauma continues his rise, he eyes a historic milestone: dethroning Mike Tyson’s 38-year record as the youngest heavyweight world champion. With a target date of May 19, 2025, Itauma remains focused on his goal. “I wanted to break Tyson’s record,” he says. “I’ve done everything on my end. If it doesn’t happen, it won’t be for lack of trying.” With his blend of youth, skill, heritage, and sheer destruction, Moses Itauma is a fearsome proposition for any opponent—and a beacon of pride for Nigerian sports fans. The throne awaits—and he’s coming for it with thunder in his fists.