Boxing
Heavyweight sensation Moses Itauma's biggest challenge may lie outside the ring
Ultimate Tier: PPVs & 185 fight nights included
Handling the downsides of fame may turn out to be one of Moses Itauma’s toughest challenges as boxing’s rising star eyes heavyweight domination.
At just 21, the undefeated sensation is already finding it harder to go about his everyday life without being spotted.
A highlight reel stoppage of Jermaine Franklin last month further enhanced his rapidly growing reputation and left pundits and fans alike wondering who his next victim could be.
But while Itauma is loving making an impact in the ring, he’s not so keen on the prospect of being constantly in the spotlight like fellow Brits Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury.
Speaking exclusively to DAZN News, he said: “I don't like it. I don't like it at all.
“I sat there talking to my brother yesterday and I was like my life is heading in a direction I don't like.
Moses Itauma becomes boxing superstar with destructive knockout
Watch Itauma vs. Franklin fight highlights
“I think you get less and less privacy as you get older. Not older... bigger. More famous. That's exactly why I admire people like AJ and Tyson.
“I would be suffering if I was in their position. And I'm slowly getting to that. I don't know how I'm going to deal with this.
“Do you know what I mean? It's the one thing I'm not looking forward to. Imagine I can't even go out and get some food.
“Imagine not being able to walk the streets. Imagine leaving your house and not being able to.
“But then again, you want to be part of civilisation, so you're just stuck in a mad predicament.
“Fame is going to come with a price, unfortunately. But that's the way it is, isn't it?”
DAZNWhile the trappings of stardom may take some getting used to, Itauma is determined to ensure what he does between the ropes is what makes the headlines.
And with 12 knockouts in 14 victories already under his belt, he’s looking forward to a summer return to action.
Itauma added: “I think, I don't know 100%, but I think it's going to be end of July [when I’ll box next].”
Regardless of who his opponent may be, all eyes will remain firmly fixed on a fighter already touted as the future of boxing’s blue riband division.
Sign up to DAZN Ultimate Tier to get PPVs included in your subscription
Subscribe to DAZN Ultimate Tier to get a minimum of 12 PPV events included per year, including Wardley vs. Dubois (May 9) and Usyk vs. Verhoeven (May 23), on top of another 185 fight nights and Serie A football.
Sign up for £24.99/$44.99 per month. More details here.
