Moses Itauma announced himself as one of the most dangerous rising forces in heavyweight boxing after delivering a devastating first-round knockout against fellow Briton Dillian Whyte in Riyadh. The 20-year-old extended his flawless professional record to 13-0, producing a performance that has intensified calls for him to move closer to a world title shot in 2026.
From the opening bell, Itauma showed no signs of hesitation. He took immediate control of the fight, pressing Whyte onto the back foot with a barrage of sharp jabs and well-timed combinations. The veteran, who at 37 is a former interim world champion, was never allowed to settle. Within moments, Itauma’s speed, power, and precision began to overwhelm him.
The Chatham-based southpaw showcased the intensity of his training camp with clinical execution. A blistering right hook proved decisive, sending Whyte crashing to the canvas. Although the veteran attempted to regain his footing, his unsteady legs forced the referee to step in and stop the fight with more than a minute remaining in the opening round.
For Itauma, the emphatic victory is another step toward the sport’s elite level. His maturity and humility outside the ring continue to stand out as much as his raw aggression inside it. Despite fans and pundits calling for a future clash with Oleksandr Usyk, the reigning undisputed heavyweight champion, Itauma was quick to play down such talk. Instead, he expressed interest in challenging fighters who are already established contenders but not yet at the very top of the division. Names such as Agit Kabayel and Joseph Parker were floated as possible opponents, signaling his desire to climb the ranks methodically rather than rush into the spotlight.
Itauma’s approach reflects both his youth and ambition. At just 20 years old, he has time on his side and a rapidly growing fan base that appreciates both his devastating knockout power and his grounded outlook. For Whyte, however, the result raises questions about his future in the sport. After years of battling among the heavyweight elite, the defeat highlights the difficulty of fending off a new generation of hungry challengers.
As Itauma heads into a brief rest period before returning to the gym, anticipation will build over his next move. Whether he faces Kabayel, Parker, or another high-ranking contender, one thing is certain: the heavyweight division has a new force to be reckoned with.
