Moses Itauma proved yet again why is widely regarded as a future world heavyweight champion.
The rising star was going up against Dillian Whyte in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, in a fight that was expected by some to be the toughest test of the 20-year-old’s career.
It proved to be anything but tough though, as Itauma dominated and claimed the first round knockout victory, extending his unbeaten record to 13-0 with 11 knockouts in the process.
It was only the fourth defeat of Whyte’s career, with the other losses coming to former world champions in Tyson Fury, Anthony Joshua and Alexander Povetkin, showing exactly why there is so much hype behind Itauma.
Attention has already turned to who the Brit could take on next, with some calls for him to get an immediate world title shot against undisputed heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk.
Itauma would seemingly have no problem with that, as he stated in his post-fight interview that he would be ready for that if it was to happen next.
“Honestly, I’ll fight anybody they put in front of me. These lot are saying Usyk? Listen, if I’m being completely honest, Parker and Kabayel deserve the shot, but I’ll love to take the opportunity as well, chuck me in there with those lot.”
Usyk became undisputed heavyweight champion for the second time in July when he knocked out Daniel Dubois in the fifth round at Wembley Stadium, and could be set to return to action before the end of the year.
The Ukrainian had been ordered to defend against WBO mandatory challenger Joseph Parker next, but after recently requesting an extension for negotiations due to injury, it could potentially open the door for Itauma to secure the fight himself.
