Latest news with #Itauma
Daily Mirror
09-07-2025
- Sport
- Daily Mirror
Oleksandr Usyk knows who will succeed him as heavyweight champion
The undefeated Ukrainian is in the twilight stages of hid career - but has already predicted the next undisputed heavyweight champion that will dominate the sport Oleksandr Usyk has backed rising star Moses Itauma to become the next undisputed heavyweight champion. Usyk - a two-division undisputed champion - is set to return to the ring on July 19 against Daniel Dubois in what promises to be a mouthwatering rematch at Wembley Stadium in London. The pair first met back in 2023 - with the Ukrainian going on to stop 'Triple D' in the ninth round. However, the fight was not without controversy. In the fifth round of their heavyweight dust-up, Usyk was sent crashing to the canvas with a body shot. That said, it was later deemed a low blow - much to the frustration of the Brit and his team. Earlier this year, Usyk confirmed that he will fight two more times before calling it a day once and for all. As the Ukrainian approaches the end of his career, many fans are wondering who will be the next superstar to conquer boxing heaviest weight class. READ MORE: Hamzah Sheeraz ignores Canelo Alvarez fight ahead of Edgar Berlanga clash In an interview with talkSPORT, when asked who will succeed him as the next undisputed heavyweight champion, Usyk replied: "Moses Itauma, I think is a great fighter. Young. 20 years old. I think Itauma has a big future." Itauma, 20, remains unbeaten as a professional - with 10 of his 12 wins coming by way of knockout. The young Brit recently scored an impressive knockout victory over Mike Balogun in his last outing back in May and has been backed to become a huge star in the sport. Itauma faces a tough test in his next fight as he is scheduled to go head-to-head with fellow Briton Dillian Whyte in Saudi Arabia on August 16. Two-time heavyweight champion Tyson Fury is familiar with Itauma's power and ability, having sparred with him while preparing for his first meeting with Usyk in May 2024. Regarding the 20-year-old's talents, the 'Gypsy King' said: "One thing I will say about Moses, he's a good fighter, he's a good boxer. He's like a sponge, you tell him something and he absorbs it, he listens. He's only 20 years old. "I told him years ago, 'Don't worry about breaking records, you've only got one career, take your time and enjoy it.' Because I remember when I was 19 or 20 and now I'm 36 and it's gone.' However, Fury warns that Itauma's upcoming clash with Whyte could be a step too early if he overlooks his British rival. 'It's a big step-up for Moses because he hasn't really fought anyone on Dillian's level, though the old Dillian was a couple of years ago," said Fury. 'It's gonna be interesting to see how much Whyte has left. Could this be similar to what Martin Bakole did to Jared Anderson? Maybe it's too early, maybe he passes with flying colours. And that's why you've got to watch it and find out." When is Oleksansdr Usyk vs Daniel Dubois? Oleksandr Usyk and Daniel Dubois will go head-to-head on July 19 at Wembley Stadium, London. 'Triple D' is out for revenge after tasting defeat in their initial encounter nearly two years ago. Despite Dubois being denied a knockdown, the Brit will be itching to become the first man to defeat the Ukrainian. The whole card is set to be shown live on DAZN PPV - with the first fight roughly getting underway at around 5.40pm BST (12.40pm ET / 9.40am PT). Also on the card, Lawrence Okolie will be looking to further climb up the heavyweight ranks when he defends his WBC silver heavyweight title against former world champion Kevin Lerena. Also featuring on the card, Britain's Lewis Edmondson has a chance of intercontinental honours as he fights Daniel Lapin.
Daily Mirror
09-06-2025
- Sport
- Daily Mirror
'Do you think I'm stupid?' - Tyson Fury has very clear opinion of Moses Itauma
Fury has been hinting at a potential return to the ring over the last few weeks, but should he return, the British star has refused to take on Itauma Tyson Fury has previously shut down a potential fight with rising star Moses Itauma as the Brit acknowledged the threat the youngster possesses. The 'Gypsy King' officially announced his retirement from the sport of boxing back in January. The news came just weeks after he lost to long-time rival Oleksandr Usyk for a second time. Immediately after defeat to the Ukrainian in December, fans had hoped to see the Brit take on Anthony Joshua this year. However, his retirement announcement handed 'AJ' a significant blow. That said, over the last few weeks, the 36-year-old has hinted at a potential return to the ring after uploading several videos of him training in the gym. He recently reunited with coach SugarHill Steward as he ramps up training for a potential comeback. While a fight with Joshua seems the most realistic for Fury should be make a retirement U-turn, there is one man that he simply will refuse to fight. In a video uploaded to Queensberry Promotions, the 'Gypsy King' praised the rise of Itauma - but joked that he would never face him in the ring. 'Fight Moses Itauma? No, definitely not. Do you think I'm stupid?' said Fury. Itauma has already made a name for himself in the sport of boxing. In his professional career so far, the energetic knockout artist has fought on two of Fury's undercards in Saudi Arabia - drawing praise from the 'Gypsy King' - and looked flawless on both occasions. He has enjoyed success against the likes of Demsey McKean, Mariusz Wach and Ilja Mezencev - with many backing him to become a world champion in the very near future. The Brit made his return to the ring last month and battered Mike Balogun inside two rounds. The 20-year-old is finalising a deal to fight boxing veteran Dillian Whyte in Saudi Arabia on August 16. Immediately after Itauma's win over Balogun, boxing promoter Frank Warren shut down a potential heavyweight dust-up with Martin Bakole. Warren said to Queensberry Promotion's YouTube channel: "No! Bakole's got to be able to get himself in shape, the state of him, not happening." "Moses has got a beautiful career before him. I want him to build up his career," he remarked. "But big Martin Bakole, [right] now, I think it is too early for him. I want him to work hard and maybe be a world champion tomorrow. But I don't want him to pick me now because he'd be making a big mistake. He's playing with the fire. [But] he's a man. If he thinks he can handle me, I'm open to it."
Scottish Sun
05-06-2025
- Sport
- Scottish Sun
‘He's miles off' – Brit heavyweight ace tipped for stardom ‘shouldn't be in conversation' for world titles, says rival
Anthony Joshua's rival has been named as the perfect opponent to face the youngster 'IRRESPONSIBLE' 'He's miles off' – Brit heavyweight ace tipped for stardom 'shouldn't be in conversation' for world titles, says rival Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) RISING British boxing star Moses Itauma has been warned against taking on world titles fights at this stage of his career. Heavyweight rival Dave Allen reckons the 20-year-old has the talent, but lacks the necessary experience to challenge a world champion. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 3 Moses Itauma has been tipped for stardom Credit: PA 3 Itauma won the WBO Inter-Continental heavyweight bout against Mike Balogun in May Credit: PA Itauma's professional record stands at 12-0 with his most recent win against Mike Balogun in the WBO Inter-Continental bout in Glasgow. The Slovak-born Brit dropped his American opponent Bologun, 41, three times in two rounds, before ending it with a TKO. And WBA Intercontinental Heavyweight Champion Dave Allen has given his opinion on the breakthrough star. Allen told talkSPORT: 'I think he's the real deal, but to go from the opposition he is facing to a Joseph Parker would be irresponsible matchmaking. READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWS GENDER ROW 'LEAK' Leaked medical document 'proves gender row boxer Imane Khelif is male' 'People are talking about Itauma boxing for a world title soon, he is miles off it right now." 'He can beat anyone in two or three rounds at the moment. But we haven't seen him go past that yet. 'I think he's an incredible prospect, but that's all he is still." The rising heavyweight star turned professional two years ago and already has 10 KOs on his record. CASINO SPECIAL - BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS Allen recognised Itauma's talent, but believes he should take a more calculated root to a shot at a world title. He added: 'We haven't even seen him box for a British title yet. Demsey McKean is British title level, he shouldn't be in that conversation for Joseph Parker yet. 'Back to the grind in a few days' - Anthony Joshua shows off results of elbow surgery as boxing star closes in on return 'Not for talent, offensively he is already one of the best heavyweights in the world. But he hasn't been hit back and hasn't been hit under pressure." Allen named Anthony Joshua's rival Jermaine Franklin as the perfect opponent to take him past the first rounds. The 33-year-old said: 'We need to see him in with someone who gives him a fight, I think someone like Jermaine Franklin. 'I think he can become world champion, but talk of titles right now is just too much, he's miles off." Itauma, who is Frank Warren's fighter, was initially tipped as the teenager to break Mike Tyson's youngest world champion record at the age of 20 years and four months. He will likely return on July 19 on the undercard of Oleksandr Usyk's rematch with Daniel Dubois.
The Irish Sun
05-06-2025
- Sport
- The Irish Sun
‘He's miles off' – Brit heavyweight ace tipped for stardom ‘shouldn't be in conversation' for world titles, says rival
RISING British boxing star Moses Itauma has been warned against taking on world titles fights at this stage of his career. Heavyweight rival Dave Allen reckons the 20-year-old has the talent, but lacks the necessary experience to challenge a world champion. 3 Moses Itauma has been tipped for stardom Credit: PA 3 Itauma won the WBO Inter-Continental heavyweight bout against Mike Balogun in May Credit: PA most recent in the WBO Inter-Continental bout in Glasgow. The Slovak-born Brit dropped his American opponent Bologun, 41, three times in two rounds, before ending it with a TKO. And WBA Intercontinental Heavyweight Champion Dave Allen has given his opinion on the breakthrough star. Allen told 'I think he's the real deal, but to go from the opposition he is facing to a Joseph Parker would be irresponsible matchmakin g. READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWS 'People are talking about Itauma boxing for a world title soon, he is miles off it right now." 'He can beat anyone in two or three rounds at the moment. But we haven't seen him go past that yet. 'I think he's an incredible prospect, but that's all he is still." The rising heavyweight star turned professional two years ago and already has 10 KOs on his record. Most read in Boxing CASINO SPECIAL - BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS Allen recognised Itauma's talent, but believes he should take a more calculated root to a shot at a world title. He added: 'We haven't even seen him box for a British title yet. Demsey McKean is British title level, he shouldn't be in that conversation for Joseph Parker yet. 'Back to the grind in a few days' - Anthony Joshua shows off results of elbow surgery as boxing star closes in on return 'Not for talent, offensively he is already one of the best heavyweights in the world. But he hasn't been hit back and hasn't been hit under pressure." Allen named Anthony Joshua's rival Jermaine Franklin as the perfect opponent to take him past the first rounds. The 33-year-old said: 'We need to see him in with someone who gives him a fight, I think someone like Jermaine Franklin. 'I think he can become world champion, but talk of titles right now is just too much, he's miles off." Itauma, who is Frank Warren's fighter, was initially tipped as the teenager to break Mike Tyson's youngest world champion record at the age of 20 years and four months. He will likely return on July 19 on the undercard of 3 Dave Allen said Itauma isn't ready for a chance at a world title Credit: Shutterstock Editorial
Yahoo
28-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Impossible to break Tyson record
Rising British star Moses Itauma says it was "impossible" for him to break Mike Tyson's record for the youngest heavyweight world champion. Tyson was 20 years and four months old when he became world champion in 1986, and Itauma passed that age on Saturday. Advertisement "When I turned professional it was about chasing that record. Now that record is off the books, I am just trying to take my time with it," Itauma told the BBC's 5 Live Boxing with Steve Bunce podcast. "In the first two months of me being professional, I realised that goal's impossible. I was naive when I said that. I said that before I turned professional. "I didn't realise how much you can't control in this boxing game. You think since I turned professional, the world champions have been Daniel Dubois, Oleksandr Usyk and Tyson Fury. "There's no way in two years I would have put myself in a position to fight them." Advertisement Itauma's two-round destruction of Mike Balogun on Saturday extended his record to 12 wins and 10 knockouts. He was initially marketed as the teenager to break Tyson's record, but denied it was only ever a clever "marketing strategy" for his career. Itauma is expected to challenge for a world title in the next few years and has been linked with a number of big names, including Joe Joyce. Martin Bakole, Jermaine Franklin and Otto Wallin hve been mentioned as potential opponents and Itauma's promoter Frank Warren has said he will fight on the undercard of Dubois' world title fight against Oleksandr Usyk on 19 July at Wembley Stadium. Advertisement Itauma does not expect his next fight to be a big name and said his team want him to be in some "10-round fights" before moving up a level in opponents. "There's guys that are tough cookies that ain't got a name. That's not ideal," he said. "You want a tough guy with a good name and they aren't cheap." More boxing from the BBC
