Moses Itauma is undergoing rigorous training at the Ben Davison Performance Centre in Essex. Despite the considerable hype surrounding him, his training consists of fundamental exercises like burpees and tyre drills.
Itauma, age 20, is receiving high praise. Some are calling him the future of boxing. Heavyweight champion Tyson Fury, who has sparred with Itauma, joked about never facing him in a real fight. Joe Rogan has also endorsed Itauma, calling him “the real deal”.
Early Start Gives Itauma an Edge
Itauma addresses the reasons behind his success. “I get asked a lot: what makes you so good?” he said. He believes that his early start in boxing gives him an advantage. Unlike many heavyweights who begin in their late teens or early twenties, such as Anthony Joshua and Deontay Wilder, Itauma started boxing at age nine.
This early start has allowed him to develop skills often seen in lighter fighters. These include balance, footwork, hand speed, and combination punching. Coupled with knockout power, this has made him a formidable force. He is currently undefeated as both an amateur and a professional.
Pressure to Become the Face of British Boxing
Itauma’s quick victories, including a first-round win against Dillian Whyte, have led to calls for a world title shot. Some had even speculated that he might break Mike Tyson’s record as the youngest heavyweight champion, though that is no longer possible.
Itauma faces the pressure of great expectations. He is expected to become the face of British boxing. This is particularly significant as Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury approach the later stages of their careers. For Itauma, a young man who is not given to trash talk, this may be more daunting than fighting in the ring.
Beginnings at St Mary’s Amateur Boxing Club
Itauma recalls his early days in the sport. “Probably joining St Mary’s Amateur Boxing Club,” he says of his earliest boxing memory. “I was about nine years old. I remember turning up in a yellow polo T-shirt. I didn’t enjoy boxing at first, because it was so tough. I threw up the first couple of times, so I quit and played football.”
Itauma’s focus remains on the basics as he navigates the expectations surrounding his promising career.