Naija’s heavyweight sensation passed his biggest test in 119 seconds
In just under two minutes, Moses Itauma turned his biggest test into his latest statement. The 20-year-old southpaw dismantled former world title challenger Dillian Whyte in Riyadh with the kind of poise and power that has promoters, fans, and even his future opponents talking.
Here’s what we learned from the night Naija’s knockout king leveled up again.
Itauma is one of the most clinical finishers in the sport
Frank Warren said it best: “He’s the most unbelievable finisher.” Once Itauma hurt Whyte with a left to the temple, he didn’t rush. He picked his shots, mixed head and body, and ended it with a precise right hook that sent the veteran into the ropes.
Moses Itauma’s BRUTAL knockout ?#WhyteItauma pic.twitter.com/zYos86sp9M
— Queensberry Promotions (@Queensberry) August 16, 2025
The attitude of a champion
No loud callouts. No hype-chasing. Just pure focus.
“I don’t want to call out Usyk because I don’t believe I deserve the opportunity,” Itauma said post-fight. “But guys that do deserve the opportunity – I want to fight those lot. So maybe Agit Kabayel, maybe Joseph Parker.”
It’s the mindset of someone who knows what he wants – and knows he’ll get there on merit, not marketing.
Joseph Parker is circling
Joseph Parker, who beat Deontay Wilder last year and just took out Martin Bakole, was impressed ringside and responded to Itauma’s respectful mention.
“He put on a great display… I’d love to share the ring with him one day. And we probably will.”
It’s the kind of matchup that would give Itauma the rounds and tests he needs before a world title. And Parker’s not the kind of fighter to duck a challenge.
His team is playing the long game
Trainer Ben Davison wasn’t surprised by the result. He saw the early finish coming and credited the scouting and disciplined camp. But he also made clear that Itauma’s journey is about more than highlight-reel KOs.
“It’s extremely hard to go rounds with him… but we’re still trying to get them rounds.”
That’s the next step: someone durable enough to test him over time. Jermaine Franklin has been mentioned. A big name who goes the distance.
Itauma handles the spotlight
This was Itauma’s first time headlining a card. He walked first. He was made to wait three minutes in the ring while Whyte delayed his entrance. And yet, once the bell rang, there was zero sign of nerves.
Against a name fighter, in front of a global audience, the 20-year-old looked like he belonged. As former WBC super-middleweight champion Richie Woodhall put it: “He fights better than guys at their peak.”
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— Queensberry Promotions (@Queensberry) August 16, 2025
Moses Itauma makes his EPIC ring walk in Riyadh ?#WhyteItauma | NOW | @ringmagazine | #RiyadhSeason | Live Exclusively on @daznboxing pic.twitter.com/NJYh1VJWbf
World title talk can wait – but not for long
Moses Itauma is now 13-0 with 11 knockouts. He’s ranked #1 with the WBO. He’s already ahead of where Anthony Joshua, Tyson Fury, and Daniel Dubois were at his age.
He doesn’t need to rush into Oleksandr Usyk yet, and he knows it. But another win or two against top-10 opponents, and the pressure to give him a shot might be impossible to ignore.
Whether it’s Parker, Kabayel, or another big name next, one thing is clear: the world is now watching.
