MOSES ITAUMA is rewriting the heavyweight script with a blockbuster all-action career of his own. At just 20, the Kent powerhouse has already amassed a perfect 13-0 record, with 11 knockouts. His latest triumph – a first-round stoppage of Dillian Whyte in just 119 seconds – has only added to the hype and expectation. However, one question looms: who, if anyone, can survive this phenomenal talent?
A knockout machine
Itauma’s knockout ratio stands at an impressive 85%, with his average fight lasting a mere two rounds. This statistic underscores his explosive power and relentless approach in the ring. His recent bout against Whyte, a seasoned veteran, was expected to be a significant test. Instead, Itauma dispatched Whyte with a precision right hook to produce an ending which had many in disbelief.
Who can withstand the thunder?
Despite Itauma’s dominance, the heavyweight division boasts a deep pool of fighters with the resilience and experience to potentially withstand his onslaught. Here are three contenders who might stand a chance:
Oleksandr Usyk (24-0, 15 KOs)
Incredibly, despite still being untested, Itauma has been touted by Turki Alalshikh as a possible opponent for the undisputed champion. Usyk’s depth of experience, fortitude, guile, craft, movement, traps and speed is boxing wizardry. It looks like too much, too soon for Itauma but money talks loudest.
Joseph Parker (36-3, 24 KOs)
Parker got a ringside seat for Itauma’s performance against Whyte. The former WBO heavyweight champion has faced elite competition and is a fine all-rounder on a tremendous run of form. His experience and durability make him a formidable opponent who could test Itauma’s endurance. Combined with Andy Lee’s tactical nous in Parker’s corner we could see Itauma pushed greater than ever both physically and mentally.
Agit Kabayel (26-0, 18 KOs)
Kabayel has gone from a nobody to a significant somebody after making the most of his Riyadh Season opportunity three fights ago. A speedy, skilled technician with an unorthodox, unpredictable style, Kabayel’s ability to absorb pressure and counter effectively could pose challenges for Itauma’s aggressive tactics. Like Parker he is in career-best form and fresh as a daisy. The German’s mobility alone would give Itauma something to think about.
The road ahead
The early stages of Itauma’s career has been marked by rapid finishes, but the path to winning a world title is paved with challenges that go beyond raw power. His team, led by trainer Ben Davison, will be aware that strategic matchmaking is needed to build Itauma’s experience. No-one wants to see the candle burn out when the young man has potentially 15 more years ahead of him.
His rise, however, is nothing short of meteoric and unlike anything we’ve seen in British heavyweight history. Should he move through the level of opposition and continue to dispatch opponents with alarming speed, the question will always remain: who can survive Moses Itauma?
