Moses Itauma showcased his dominance in the heavyweight division by swiftly defeating Dillian Whyte in under two minutes, solidifying his position as a rising star. With recent setbacks for other British boxers like Daniel Dubois and the aging Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua, Itauma’s impressive track record of stopping 10 of his last 12 opponents had set high expectations for the fight against Whyte.
The 20-year-old wasted no time asserting his speed and skill against Whyte, utilizing a left hook to initiate the finishing sequence, ultimately sending his opponent to the canvas. Despite Whyte beating the count, his unsteady stance prompted the referee to intervene, declaring Itauma the victor.
Following the match, speculation arose about Itauma potentially facing Joseph Parker for a world title if Oleksandr Usyk chooses not to compete against Parker and forfeits his WBO title. Itauma expressed confidence in his abilities and willingness to face any opponent, emphasizing his eagerness for future challenges and opportunities for bigger fights.
In other bouts of the night, Nick Ball successfully defended his featherweight world title in an intense battle against Sam Goodman, showcasing his resilience in the later rounds. Additionally, David Adeleye faced a tough defeat against Filip Hrgovic in a thrilling heavyweight bout, where Hrgovic overcame a severe cut to secure the victory.
Meanwhile, former featherweight world champion Raymond Ford continued his undefeated streak in the super-featherweight division with a points victory over Abraham Nova. Mohammed Alakel from Saudi Arabia also impressed with a first-round stoppage against Yumnam Santosh Singh. Lastly, Hayato Tsutsumi maintained his unbeaten record after eight professional fights by stopping Qais Ashfa in the third round.
The night’s events highlighted the rising talents and fierce competition within the boxing world, promising exciting matchups and potential title shots in the near future.