Moses Itauma, the rising British-Nigerian heavyweight boxing prodigy, continues to make waves in the boxing world. His recent demolition of American Mike Balogun in Glasgow, Scotland, solidified his undefeated record at 12-0 and further cemented his status as a force to be reckoned with. Itauma, a southpaw with explosive power, showcased his devastating punching prowess, dropping Balogun twice in the opening round with impactful left hands before delivering the final blow, a decisive right hook in the second round, prompting the referee to halt the contest without a count. This dominant performance highlighted Itauma’s aggressive style and his ability to finish fights early. The victory marks his tenth knockout in twelve professional bouts, an impressive feat for the young contender.
Despite the clamor from fans and boxing analysts for Itauma to step up in competition and face more seasoned opponents, including a proposed bout against Congolese-born Scottish boxer Martin Bakole, his team remains committed to a more measured approach to his development. Promoter Frank Warren has dismissed the possibility of a Bakole fight in the near future, citing Bakole’s recent first-round stoppage loss to Joseph Parker and his need to regain his form before facing a rising talent like Itauma. This cautious approach underscores the team’s desire to nurture Itauma’s potential carefully and avoid rushing him into high-stakes fights before he is fully prepared.
Bakole himself, while acknowledging Itauma’s potential, echoed Warren’s sentiments, advising against a premature clash between the two. He recognized the danger Itauma poses and cautioned that such a fight could be detrimental to the young prospect’s development. Bakole emphasized the importance of Itauma continuing to build his career strategically, suggesting that a fight between them would be a “mistake” at this stage. While open to the possibility of facing Itauma in the future, Bakole’s comments emphasize the need for Itauma to gain more experience before taking on a fighter of his caliber.
Itauma’s victory against Balogun served as a resounding statement after a frustrating five-month hiatus from the ring, a period during which he felt overlooked by potential opponents. He expressed his gratitude to Balogun for accepting the fight, implying that other boxers had been hesitant to face him. This underlines Itauma’s increasing reputation as a dangerous opponent and the growing recognition of his potential within the heavyweight division. While content with the knockout victory, Itauma expressed his desire to be tested in longer fights to further hone his skills and prepare for future challenges against top-ranked opponents.
Looking ahead, Itauma’s team, led by Frank Warren, plans to schedule his next bout on the undercard of the Oleksandr Usyk versus Daniel Dubois rematch at Wembley Stadium on July 19th. This strategic placement will provide Itauma with valuable exposure on a high-profile stage and further elevate his profile within the boxing community. The team’s focus remains on finding opponents who will provide Itauma with meaningful rounds and allow him to develop his skills in the ring. This approach indicates a long-term vision for Itauma’s career, prioritizing sustained growth over quick gains.
Itauma’s burgeoning career is attracting significant interest from fans globally, particularly in Nigeria and Slovakia, reflecting his dual heritage. His Nigerian roots, in particular, have ignited excitement and anticipation among boxing enthusiasts in the country, who hope to see him follow in the footsteps of fellow British-Nigerian heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua. Itauma’s rise through the ranks holds the promise of inspiring a new generation of Nigerian boxers and solidifying his place as a prominent figure in the sport. His journey continues to captivate audiences worldwide, as he navigates the challenges and triumphs of professional boxing with a determination that speaks volumes about his potential to reach the pinnacle of the heavyweight division.
