Moses Itauma will fight Croatia's Filip Hrgovic for the vacant IBF world heavyweight title at London's O2 Arena on Saturday night.
Victory for the 21-year-old would make him the second youngest world heavyweight champion in boxing history, coming within two months of the record set by Mike Tyson.
Itauma enters the ring having won all 14 of his professional fights, with 12 coming by knockout and none extending beyond six rounds. Before entering the ring, he quotes Isaiah 54:17: "No weapon against you shall prosper. Every tongue which rises against you in judgement you shall condemn."
His impressive record has drawn comparisons to Tyson, whose former trainer Teddy Atlas praised Itauma's power and skill. Itauma has remained modest about the praise.
"I'm flattered to hear that from such a respected figure in boxing," Itauma said. "Of course I like being compared with the great Mike Tyson as a fighter. But we are different people. I'm not braggadocious. I don't threaten or bad-mouth people. I respect all my opponents."
When asked about his growing reputation and potential, Itauma frequently offers a modest assessment. "Honestly I don't see myself that way," he said, adding: "I know I'm a young man, still learning."
Regarding Tyson's record, Itauma admitted to holding early hopes of eclipsing it. "I did have an ambition to be that man," he said. "But honestly it was only in the back of my mind. More important is how I develop."
Boxing Power and Background
Atlas pointed out that Itauma brings a wider technical skillset than early Tyson, who famously scared opponents by threatening to punch their nose bone into their brain. Atlas noted that Tyson's trainer pointed a loaded gun at him in a changing room as part of his motivational methods.
"It's not only the southpaw KO punch but the fast combinations, the balance, the reading of an opponent which gets him into position for maximum effect," Atlas said.
Atlas added that Itauma offers diverse tactical options in the ring. "Moses brings other dimensions. Movement. Positioning. Patience when needed if he doesn't stop 'em in the first round," Atlas said. "And his KOs usually come from combinations. When he sees an opening he throws a lot of leather. He is a more complete boxer. But Mike is still boxing's most pure one-hit knock out puncher."
Itauma's trainer relies on persuasion rather than intimidation to guide his fighter, describing Itauma as a fast and eager learner.
Itauma attributes his physical strength to his Nigerian father and his willpower to his Slovak mother. Born in the small town of Kezmarok in Slovakia, he moved to the British naval port of Chatham at three years old after his family faced Eastern European racism.
He was the last family member to arrive in the UK, waiting with an aunt while his parents searched for a home on the south coast of England before bringing him and his two brothers over. The family displays their gratitude by hanging a Union Jack on the wall of their home.
The Challenge of Filip Hrgovic
Hrgovic presents the toughest examination of Itauma's career to date. The 34-year-old from Zagreb has won 20 of his 21 professional fights, with 15 knockouts, and was widely regarded as the most avoided heavyweight in world boxing before Itauma's rise.
Hrgovic has often been passed over for world title opportunities and forced into final eliminators. He holds wins over Joe Joyce and cult figure Dave Allen.
The Croatian's only loss came against Daniel Dubois in an elimination contest. Hrgovic was leading on points before severe cuts forced an eighth-round stoppage. He has demonstrated high punch resistance throughout his career, taking heavy blows from Dubois, Joyce, and Chinese fighter Zhilei Zhang.
Hrgovic attempted to unbalance his young opponent ahead of the fight. "It will be good for his boxing soul when I give him the experience of a first defeat," Hrgovic said.
Itauma remained unfazed by the comment. "Mike Tyson used that to rattle his opponents but it didn't do them much good," Itauma replied.
Acknowledging the step up in opposition, Itauma stated he is "prepared for this one to go as long as it takes," while noting that "people don't come to see heavyweights box to points decisions."
Future Divisions and Title Unification
The IBF title became available after Oleksandr Usyk vacated his titles. The winner of Saturday's contest will be required to make a first defense against Cuban contender Frank Sanchez, who accepted a fee to step aside from his mandatory position.
Promoter Frank Warren may choose to delay matching Itauma against other young British heavyweights to allow them to capture all available titles first, potentially keeping them apart until late next year.
Future unification targets include the winner of the rematch between Daniel Dubois and Fabio Wardley for the WBO belt. Other belts vacated by Usyk include the WBC title held by Germany's Agit Kabayel and the WBA belt held by Russia's Murat Gassiev.
Itauma established himself as a leading contender in March by stopping America's Jermaine Franklin inside five rounds. Bookmakers now list him as the favourite against all potential opponents.
Should Itauma unify the division, prospective future bouts could include a domestic blockbuster against Tyson Fury or Anthony Joshua at Wembley Stadium once those two resolve their long-running rivalry. Itauma could reach that milestone while still only 22 years old.
The fight between Itauma and Hrgovic will be televised live on DAZN pay-per-view.
