Moses Itauma, a 21-year-old British heavyweight, will fight Filip Hrgovic for the vacant IBF title on Saturday. A victory would make him the second-youngest world heavyweight champion in history.
Itauma, born in Slovakia to Nigerian and Slovak parents and raised in Kent, initially faced parental opposition to a boxing career. His parents preferred he pursue a profession like medicine or law. However, after recognizing his natural talent and his older brother’s turn to professional boxing, they changed their stance, telling him to “focus on your boxing.”
Itauma acknowledges the expectations placed upon him to represent British boxing. He draws comparisons to Anthony Joshua, noting a similar guarded approach to media attention. “What irritates me most is when people think you're public property,” he said. “What people don't know about me is that I don't actually want to be in the limelight. The way my career is going, I just have no choice.” He demonstrated this during a news conference when Hrgovic interrupted, calmly requesting the host continue with the next question.
Itauma’s career trajectory is remarkably fast. He is competing for the IBF title in his 16th professional bout, having boxed 31 rounds. Joshua fought for the same title in his 16th bout, also with 34 rounds completed. A win for Itauma would surpass Joshua as the fastest British heavyweight to win a world title. His trainer, Ben Davison, who has also worked with Joshua and Tyson Fury, believes Itauma handles pressure well, stating, “Pressure is a privilege…Moses has already had that pressure for such a long time and I just think it's water off a duck's back.”
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