Moses Itauma

Itauma vs. Whyte

On 7 June 2025, a trio of fights was announced to take place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia on 16 August (billed as "Esports World Cup Fight Week" after the esports tournament series held in Riyadh), with Dillian Whyte (31–3, 21 KOs) headlining against Itauma.^[20] Whyte disclosed that although he was presented with rematch opportunities against Anthony Joshua and Joseph Parker, he chose to take on the challenge of facing Itauma instead. He stated that Joshua "wasn't ready," and he was unable to reach an agreement with Parker.^[21] Whyte also hit out at former rival Derek Chisora, who revealed he rejected a $2 million offer to fight Itauma, before the fight was offered to him.^[22] Whyte likened his upcoming match with Itauma to the moment in 2004 when David Haye dramatically lost his undefeated status to Carl Thompson. He was motivated from that fight, feeling that as the underdog, he wasn't being given a chance to defeat Itauma.^[23] Whyte weighed in at 244.1 pounds, a stone lighter than his last bout and his lightest since 2015. Itauma weighed 245.5 pounds.^[24][25]

Itauma achieved a decisive victory over Whyte, securing a knockout in the first round within a duration of less than two minutes. From the outset, Itauma established dominance, utilizing his youth, speed, and power to gain the upper hand against Whyte. He delivered a rapid series of punches targeting both the head and body, efficiently pushing Whyte onto the ropes. Itauma delivered a right hook that caused Whyte to be knocked down, prompting the referee to stop the fight at 1:59 of the first round.^[26][27][28] Whyte landed only two jabs. Itauma landed 19 of 34 punches (55.9%). Itauma successfully claimed the vacant Commonwealth title, which was confirmed to be on the line during the fight week.^[29][30][31] A few days following the fight, Whyte expressed that he had no plans to retire and intended to continue his boxing career.^[32]

Itauma vs. Franklin

Itauma faced Jermaine Franklin at Co-op Live in Manchester on 28 March 2026 and won by knockout in the fifth round; it was Franklin’s first loss by knockout.^[33] Ahead of the bout, Itauma hoped a fight longer in duration would showcase his stamina.^[34] The fight was originally scheduled for January 2026 but was postponed after he was injured during his training camp.^[35] Following a dominant performance where Itauma put Franklin down in the third round, Itauma won by knockout in the fifth round.^[36]

Itauma vs. Hrgović

On 22 April 2026, Sky Sports confirmed that Itauma would make his ring return at The O2 Arena, in London, on 25 July.^[37][38] Itauma’s team was deliberately postponing opponent selection until after the May heavyweight title fights to maximise his chances for a meaningful title opportunity. He was focused on the WBO and WBC title paths.^[39] On 4 May, Frank Warren stated that the event was postponed to 8 August 2026, while retaining the same venue. This rescheduling was primarily due to the announcement of Anthony Joshua's return fight on the original date, which was set to take place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, against Kristian Prenga.^[40][41] A favourite to land the fight with Itauma was Croatian heavyweight Filip Hrgović (20–1, 15 KOs), who was scheduled to fight David Allen on 16 May.^[42] After Hrgovic stopped Allen, George Warren, of Queensberry Promotions, confirmed the fight was a done deal.^[43] On 25 May, Warren stated that Itauma would instead return to Manchester, rather than The O2 Arena.^[44] On 18 June, it was announced that Itauma would fight Hrgović on 29 August at The O2 Arena.^[45][46] During the launch press conference, Hrgović criticised the rapid rise of Itauma, arguing that Itauma’s career had been “given” to him through strong promotional backing and favourable opportunities. Hrgović contrasted Itauma’s path with his own, stating that he had taken a much harder route to elite level.^[47][48] Itauma responded that "He's almost 14 years older than me and we're still in the same position. He doesn't know anything about me to comment on that. At the end of the day the position I'm in wasn't given to me. I still had to beat and overcome challenges."^[49] In July 2026, the IBF ordered Itauma and Frank Sánchez to begin negotiations for its vacant heavyweight title, giving both sides until 29 July to reach an agreement. The title had become vacant after Oleksandr Usyk relinquished the belt, along with the WBA and WBC titles. Sánchez earned the IBF’s #1 ranking after stopping Richard Torrez in a title eliminator, while Itauma was ranked #3, with the #2 position vacant. The fight being ordered came at a strange time as Itauma already had a fight scheduled with Hrgović.^[50]