NOT only did Moses Itauma secure his 12th career win last night, but the 20-year-old heavyweight phenom received a huge boost to his world title ambitions.
Unbeaten Itauma obliterated American Mike Balogun at Glasgow’s SSE Hydro, showcasing his blistering speed and power. The second-round stoppage saw Balogun knocked down three times, his corner and referee John Latham calling a halt as Itauma’s punches left the American reeling.
Afterwards, Itauma’s manager Francis Warren revealed the rising star would return in July for a ‘big fight’. He will do so as the WBO’s number one contender, a status confirmed by World Boxing Organisation President Gustavo Olivieri on X last night.
This month’s rankings see Itauma replace Australian Justis Huni in the top spot. Huni is no longer ranked in the WBO top 15 as he pursues the WBA’s Interim heavyweight belt on June 7 at Portman Road, Ipswich, the home of Ipswich Town FC, against Itauma’s gym-mate Fabio Wardley.
