Will fast-tracked Itauma become world champion at 21?
Can heavyweight Moses Itauma become world champion at 21 by beating Filip Hrgovic on Saturday or has the fast-tracked Briton arrived too soon?
British heavyweight Moses Itauma, born in Slovakia to a Nigerian father and Slovak mother, has defied his parents' wishes to pursue boxing. At 21, he steps into the ring against Filip Hrgovic on Saturday to challenge for the vacant IBF heavyweight title and become the second-youngest world champion in history. Despite facing criticism for his rapid ascent, Itauma remains unfazed, stating he doesn't want to be public property and prefers to focus on his craft.
With 31 rounds of professional experience, he arrives at his world-title opportunity ahead of Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua. Itauma's rapid rise has been marked by destructive stoppages in his fights, but trainer Ben Davison believes he possesses the temperament to handle the pressure. If successful, Itauma would eclipse Joshua as the fastest British heavyweight to win a world title, making him the second-youngest active world champion in boxing history.
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