Warren likens Itauma to Messi, Woods

Francis Warren, manager of undefeated British-Nigerian heavyweight boxer Moses Itauma, has drawn parallels between his fighter and sporting icons Lionel Messi and Tiger Woods, according to PUNCH Sports Extra. Warren, son of Hall of Fame promoter Frank Warren, has been managing Itauma since the latter turned professional in 2023 at the age of 18.

He first encountered Itauma four years prior, when the 14-year-old was sparring a British champion at an event organized by boxing figure Al Smith. Intrigued by the teenager's skill, Warren attended the session and was impressed by Itauma's agility and technique. Two years later, Warren signed the fighter to a scholarship contract with Queensberry Promotions, and Itauma has since received comparisons to a prime Mike Tyson, after securing 14 victories, including 12 knockouts, without a loss.

Itauma is set to face Filip Hrgovic for the vacant IBF world heavyweight title on Saturday at London's O2 Arena, and Warren believes the Croatian underestimates his opponent. Warren described Hrgovic as a dangerous, tough individual who believes he is facing a 21-year-old who hasn't experienced much in the sport. Warren confidently asserts that Moses Itauma is in the same league as Messi, LeBron James, and Tiger Woods – exceptional talents that appear infrequently.

If Itauma wins, he would become the second-youngest heavyweight world champion in history, following Mike Tyson, who claimed his first title at the age of 20 in 1986.