Moses Itauma makes new prediction after failing to break Mike Tyson's record

Daily Mirror

4 hours ago

The young British heavyweight sensation has been backed to become a world champion - and the rising star himself has given his own prediction
Moses Itauma believes he can become a heavyweight world champion within the next four years.
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The 20-year-old is currently preparing for the toughest test of his young career so far as he takes on boxing veteran Dillian Whyte on Saturday night in Saudi Arabia. It is fair to say the Chatham brawler has a huge weight on his shoulders as he has constantly been tipped for greatness by some of the sport's biggest names.
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Despite having just 12 fights under his belt so far, the Brit is certainly confident in himself, but is not looking too far ahead just yet. Itauma certainly has the skillset to become a world champion, and it is fair to say it is only a matter of time before he gets his hands on a world title.
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Unfortunately for him, he will not be able to break Mike Tyson's record of becoming the youngest heavyweight champion - aged 20 years, 4 months, 23 days. That said, he is still in the running to claim second spot ahead of Floyd Patterson - who was 21 years, 10 months, 26 days old when he struck gold. Muhammad Ali, Joe Louis and Jack Dempsey all complete the top five. Dempsey turned 24 ten days before going on to win a world title - and Itauma has backed himself to at least surpass that record.
"I remember the last person was 24 years old," he told reporters after seeing the list of youngest heavyweight champions online. At 20 years of age, Itauma fully expects to smash Dempsey's record. "That is four years from now for me. I believe I can become a heavyweight world champion before that and I can be in and around or in the mix of them great names," he said.
While he may be disappointed at not being able to break the record, he will still be in and around good company, joining some of boxing's biggest names of all-time. For many fighters, they always imagine the feeling of having that belt placed around their shoulders, but Itauma is certainly not one of them.
"Never! I have always been a person of action. If I want something, I will go out and do it. I guess it is nice to imagine something," he confidently replied when quizzed about imagining holding the belt. With Oleksandr Usyk edging closer towards retirement and currently out of action, there could be a scenario where Itauma fights for the world title next.
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Last month, it was revealed that the Ukrainian was ordered to defend his WBO heavyweight title against Joseph Parker. Just weeks on, Frank Warren has revealed that the Ukrainian star has asked for an "extension period" because he is injured. Alternatively, Parker could go on to face the winner of Itauma's fight with Whyte - should Usyk decide to vacate the WBO title.
Technically, there could be a scenario where Itauma becomes a world champion before the year is out. Prior to Warren's comments, Itauma was asked whether he can become a world champion before the end of the year. "No comment," he confidently replied, before adding: "I am the boxer. I do not pull the strings. I do not make the fights happen. Dillian Whyte… I got the phone call and they said 'do you want to fight?' I said yes. I did not go gunning for him. If the opportunity presents itself and my team will allow me, then I believe I could be. Otherwise, I guess not."
When is Moses Itauma vs Dillian Whyte?
The 'Esports World Cup Fight Week: Moses Itauma vs Dillian Whyte' will take place on Saturday, August 16. The main undercard is due to get underway at around 5:45 pm UK time (12:45 pm ET / 9:45 am PT). The main event ringwalks will likely take place at around 10:20pm UK time (5:20 pm ET / 2:20 pm PT).
All of the action will be streamed live on DAZN Pay Per-View. The event is priced at £19.99 in the United Kingdom, $49.99 in the United States, €19.99 in Europe and $49.95 in Australia.