Boxing
Astbury: How Moses Itauma became British boxing's new superstar in latest win
Chisora vs. Wilder: Exclusively on DAZN - Saturday
Saturday night saw a new British boxing superstar born in Moses Itauma, and I was there to witness it ringside.
After following every fight of Itauma’s career so far through a screen, his meeting with Jermaine Franklin was the first chance I got to witness this talented fighter in the flesh.
At the age of 21, Itauma should be a fighter who is slowly working his way up to the top level, but his immense talent and knockout power has catapulted him into the world heavyweight title conversation in just 15 bouts.
Approximately 20,000 people were packed into Manchester’s Co-op Live to get a glimpse of someone who is being billed as the future face of not just British boxing, but also world boxing.
Moses Itauma becomes boxing superstar with destructive knockout
Watch Itauma vs. Franklin fight highlights
For those fans leaving the arena, they would not be disappointed. A knockdown in round three, followed by a left uppercut and a straight right in the fifth from Itauma, finished off Franklin, and with the crowd chanting his name, it felt like a breakthrough moment.
What makes Itauma so special?
Sometimes, heavyweight fights are not full of technique and precise punching.
Instead, it can often be a case of who can withstand the most punishment from swinging shots, but Itauma is not a reckless fighter.
What stood out to me ringside was how clinical and methodical Itauma was with his shot selection. Not a punch was wasted.
Every punch he threw came with spite, often accompanied by a fierce grunt; it was clear a monster had been let loose.
A 21-year-old boxer, with the expectation of a capacity crowd wanting something special, can often be overwhelming, but Itauma was calm and composed. A sign that with each passing fight, he is maturing and becoming comfortable with what is expected of him.
“He [Itauma] showed a lot of maturity. He picked his shots; he caught him with some big shots. Jermaine was dangerous as well, loading up with that right hand,” Itauma’s promoter Frank Warren said following the win.
“He’s got great reflexes, fast on his feet, he’s the younger man. It’s not just about punch power; it’s his boxing skills.
“He demonstrated his patience, and when he catches you clean, you are in trouble.”
Warren has steered the careers of many heavyweights during his 45 years as a boxing promoter, including Tyson Fury.
But at this stage of Itauma’s career, Warren stated the 21-year-old is the most exciting heavyweight fighter he has worked with.
“I think he’s the most exciting heavyweight, with the quality of the opposition, he’s the most exciting heavyweight I’ve ever been involved with at this stage in his career.”
Itauma surprised by rapid heavyweight rise
It’s not just inside the ring where Itauma shows great composure; his calm persona is evident away from the ropes.
In interviews, he thinks about his answers and is always willing to open up about his younger years, and his rapid rise to the top of the heavyweight tree.
Itauma is also honest about his performances, and after dispatching Dillian Whyte within one round, he was disappointed that he could not showcase his skills.
The win over Franklin was different. Itauma was happy that he went through several rounds in a display that he believes could not have gone any better.
“My team wanted me to get some rounds in. I was able to do that,” Itauma said.
“If I’m being honest, I don’t think it could have gone any better. I went the rounds which were necessary, I got the job done.
“For those asking if I’ve got a chin, I took two shots as well, so I finally answered some questions.”
It’s clear that Itauma is gaining confidence as well; he is becoming more comfortable without gloves. In his post-fight interview, he was thanking the crowd, who replied with cheers, and he is embracing this rise to superstardom.
Reflecting on Saturday night, even Itauma was surprised by how well his career is going so far, whether the sky is really the limit.
“I was thinking to myself, I always knew that I could do this, but I didn’t think it could be so soon.
“I’ve just turned 21, I’ve got Dillian Whyte, Demsey McKean, now Jermaine Franklin, knockouts by the way.
“I’ve done what some British heavyweights could not do, and they have gone on to achieve successful things, so what’s the limit for me?”
New generation of British heavyweights has a leader
The British heavyweight division is in a stage of transition. Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury are heading towards the sunset as a new generation fills the void.
Itauma, despite being younger than the likes of Fabio Wardley and Daniel Dubois, will be the leader.
With Itauma displaying all the attributes needed to be a sporting superstar, and witnessing the 21-year-old in full flow, I have never been so sure of a fighter having the ability to dominate boxing for many years to come.
Watch Chisora vs. Wilder only on DAZN
Derek Chisora and Deontay Wilder square off this Saturday, April 4, exclusively on DAZN PPV. Buy as a one-off PPV or get this, Wardley vs. Dubois (May 9), and Usyk vs Verhoeven (May 23) PPVs all included with a DAZN Ultimate Tier subscription for £22.99 / $44.99 per month.
For more information, pricing and to buy, click here.
