Moses Itauma Downplays 'Superstar' Status After Explosive Knockout of Dillian Whyte
Moses Itauma Downplays 'Superstar' Status After Explosive Knockout of Dillian Whyte
Moses Itauma has continued his rapid rise in the heavyweight division, but the 20-year-old insists he has no interest in fame or stardom despite a stunning first-round knockout of former WBC interim champion Dillian Whyte. The undefeated prospect, now considered one of the most dangerous young fighters in boxing, maintains that his only focus is doing what he loves—boxing.
"I Just Want to Box" – Itauma Keeps It Simple
After dispatching Whyte in under two minutes, Itauma told Ring Magazine that he is uninterested in being labeled a superstar. “A lot of people think I want to be a superstar, but I just enjoy being a boxer,” he said. “If I don’t do it, I feel out of place. I don’t feel comfortable in myself.”
Even legendary ring announcer Michael Buffer approached Itauma after the knockout, suggesting Wembley Stadium could host his next fight. But Itauma shrugged it off: “I’m not bothered whether I fight in Wembley or anywhere else. I just know I need to box.”
Ninth Straight Knockout for Itauma
The victory over Whyte marked Itauma’s ninth consecutive knockout win, with all stoppages coming within the first two rounds. Many had predicted that Whyte’s experience and toughness would test the young contender like no one else had. Instead, Itauma dismantled him with the same ease he has shown against every opponent so far.
While Whyte was seen as a dangerous step up in competition, he could not withstand Itauma’s power and speed. The fight ended almost as quickly as it started, cementing Itauma’s reputation as one of the most devastating finishers in the division.
Comparison to Heavyweight Legends
Although Itauma is older than Mike Tyson was when he became the youngest heavyweight champion in history, fans and analysts are already speculating about his potential. Some even believe he could defeat the current undisputed champion Oleksandr Usyk in a hypothetical matchup.
This confidence contrasts with Itauma’s humility. While his promoter Frank Warren has claimed the young heavyweight could achieve global superstardom comparable to icons like LeBron James or Tiger Woods, Itauma himself remains uninterested in such comparisons. “I’m not chasing that,” he reiterated. “I just want to fight.”
What’s Next for Moses Itauma?
With a dominant win over Whyte and no injuries sustained, Itauma is already looking ahead. Frank Warren hinted that he could return for a third fight in 2025 before his 21st birthday in December, possibly against another big-name opponent. The victory also allows Itauma to maintain his top contender status while awaiting a title opportunity.
Heading into the Whyte fight, Itauma was already ranked No. 1 with the WBO and No. 2 with the WBA. Although Whyte was unranked by most major sanctioning bodies, the win reinforces Itauma’s position as one of the leading challengers for a world title shot.
Usyk, Parker, and the Heavyweight Title Picture
Currently, Oleksandr Usyk holds all four major heavyweight belts. The WBO has ordered Usyk to defend his title against interim champion Joseph Parker, though the fight has yet to be finalized. This creates uncertainty about Itauma’s next step, but his high ranking ensures he remains firmly in the title conversation.
The IBF, on the other hand, has no interim champion and lacks a clear No. 1 contender. Itauma is ranked sixth but is seen as one of the most marketable and intriguing options for a future IBF title eliminator or even the creation of an interim belt. With backing from influential boxing figure Turki Alalshikh, Itauma could find himself in line for a championship shot sooner rather than later.
Itauma’s Relentless Rise
Itauma’s approach to his career stands out in today’s boxing landscape. In an era where social media fame and global recognition often overshadow the sport itself, Itauma is determined to keep his focus strictly on boxing. His mindset has endeared him to purists, who see him as a throwback to fighters who let their skills do the talking.
At just 20 years old, Itauma is already a household name among boxing fans, even if he personally avoids the limelight. His mixture of humility outside the ring and ruthlessness inside it makes him one of the sport’s most fascinating rising stars.
Final Thoughts
Moses Itauma’s devastating knockout of Dillian Whyte not only strengthens his case as the heavyweight division’s next big thing but also shows the unique character of the young fighter. While promoters, fans, and analysts see him as a future superstar, Itauma himself is focused solely on his passion for boxing.
As the heavyweight division continues to evolve, Itauma’s refusal to chase fame could ironically make him even more popular. With potential fights against Usyk, Parker, or other top contenders looming, the world may soon see if Itauma’s humble determination leads to championship glory. One thing is certain—whether or not he accepts the label, Itauma is already becoming a superstar inside the ring.
