Moses Itauma has lit up the heavyweight division, as he is one of boxing’s budding stars.
Still only 20 years of age, the Slovakian-English fighter has shown his elite skill despite his inexperience.
Aiming to extend his record to 12-0 in May 2025, Mike Balogun will be Itauma’s next professional opponent.
Despite being taken to a decision in back-to-back fights in 2023, all other fights for Itauma have finished before the final bell. This includes a four-fight run that would see him end every bout in the first round.
Moses Itauma bounced back from being taken the distance with knockout streak
Two decision victories over Konstiantyn Dovbyschenko (9-12-1) and Kevin Espindola (7-7) in 2023 are the reasons why Itauma does not have a 100% knockout rate. However, following the back-to-back decisions, Itauma once again showed his finishing prowess.
Two months after his win against Espindola, it took Itauma just 93 seconds to earn his fifth professional win. A first-round knockout over Amine Boucetta (7-8) in September 2023 would remind fans of Itauma’s stopping power.
In October and December of the same year, Itauma would add another two first-round stoppages to his resume.
Facing Istvan Bernath (10-1) in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Itauma would dispatch his opponent within two minutes. Less than two months later, it would take the youngster one minute to stop Michal Boloz (5-6-2).
Moses Itauma made it four first-round finishes in a row in 2024
Fighting in London, Itauma looked to extend his professional record to 8-0 as a 19-year-old. He would be taking on someone twice his age in Dan Garber (6-2), as Itauma was able to continue his winning form.
Garber had only been stopped by Thomas Carty going into the bout, however, he would suffer his third loss to the rising star.
Causing his opponent problems from the opening seconds of the bout, it would be another short night for Itauma.
After Itauma landed several significant blows on his opponent, the referee waved off the bout with 40 seconds remaining in the opening round.
The fighter followed his win over Garber with a second-round stoppage against Ilja Mezencev. Then, in July 2024, Itauma defeated Mariusz Wach in the same round.
Itauma goes into his fight with Balogun off the back of a first-round knockout over Demsey McKean in December 2024.