Moses Itauma is rapidly emerging as a standout talent in British boxing. At just 20 years old, he has made an impressive mark in the heavyweight category with an undefeated record in 12 professional fights, winning 10 by knockout. Despite early speculation that he might break Mike Tyson’s record as the youngest heavyweight champion, that opportunity passed, yet Itauma remains destined for greatness.
However, Itauma admits there was a period when he lost his enthusiasm for boxing, feeling stuck and unable to progress. Ahead of his upcoming bout against Dillian White in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, he revealed that he once felt he had hit a ceiling, doubting whether he could reach the top levels of boxing despite sharing the ring with elite fighters like Daniel Dubois, Joe Joyce, Tyson Fury, and Lawrence O’Collie.
Growing up, Itauma idolized British boxing legends such as Dillian White, Anthony Joshua, Tyson Fury, and Derek Chisora, dreaming of making a name on big stages. Yet his career didn’t immediately take off as expected. He experimented with different trainers until he found his breakthrough with Ben Davison, widely regarded as one of the best coaches in British boxing today. Even then, Itauma struggled to commit fully, rarely attending gym sessions until encouraged by his brother, fellow boxer Karol Itauma.
Ben Davison, known for coaching top fighters including Joshua, Fabio Wardley, and Pat McCormack, helped Itauma develop a new understanding of boxing. Itauma acknowledges learning that boxing is more than just exchanging punches; it’s a complex, strategic “game of chess.” Despite initial frustration during early sparring sessions, he credits perseverance and consistent practice for his growth under Davison’s guidance.
Itauma holds nothing but respect for his former coaches but emphasizes how his partnership with Davison has redefined his approach to the sport, turning moments of doubt into opportunities for growth.
Fan Take: Moses Itauma’s journey highlights the mental and physical challenges young fighters face as they rise to the top. For fighting fans, his story and upcoming test against Dillian White represent the thrilling possibility of witnessing the next great British heavyweight champion, promising an exciting future for the sport.
