Rising heavyweight star Moses Itauma has revealed how the high expectations of his promising career have given him a more ruthless mentality.
The 19-year-old will collide with Australian contender Demsey Mckean this Saturday, featuring on the undercard of Oleksandr Usyk and Tyson Fury’s fiercely anticipated rematch.
Despite his lack of experience – amassing just ten professional victories – Itauma is widely regarded as a heavyweight world champion in waiting.
But still, while reaping the financial rewards of his rapidly growing profile, the Brit has given an honest insight into his more stoic mindset; using it, almost like a shield, to cope with the pressure.
- Read More [Oleksandr Usyk vs Tyson Fury 2 undercard gets another shake-up as unbeaten contender emerges]
Moses Itauma reveals mentality ahead of Demsey McKean showdown
Despite only making his professional debut last year, Itauma had previously made a name for himself in boxing gyms up and down the UK.
After sparring with former cruiserweight champion Lawrence Okolie at the age of 15, the notorious puncher soon began to share rounds with the likes of Fury and IBF titlist Daniel Dubois.
Sure enough, rumors of his devastating power started to resonate across the boxing world, capturing the attention of Queensberry Promotions boss Frank Warren.
Shortly after joining forces with the Hall of Fame promoter, though, Itauma revealed a goal that separated him from any prospect.
His ultimate ambition, in fact, is to become the youngest heavyweight champion of all time, something that Mike Tyson achieved at the age of 20.
But of course, with this comes an enormous weight of expectation, leaving Itauma with few opportunities to relish in his success.
“I’m a little bit emotionless to that side of things,” he told Boxing News. “I never feel the happy sides of my life, it’s only really the angry, annoying sides.
“When I’ve won a fight, I don’t get too happy, I don’t get too excited. I guess I’m proud of myself going through the training camp and actually going through the fight – and winning the fight – but I’m not overly happy; that’s what we set out to do.
“I know that, if I don’t win that fight, I’m gonna be 50 times worse [off].”
Can Moses Itauma beat Mike Tyson’s record?
While he could still realize the remarkable feat, it would appear that Itauma is swiftly running out of time to outshine the legendary ‘Iron Mike.’
But regardless, there is little doubt that he will, one day, reach the pinnacle of his sport, with McKean representing a calculated step up in levels.
The prolific knockout artist has, after all, showcased a glimpse of his full potential, ending the majority of his fights in emphatic fashion.
With Dubois potentially eying a shot at the winner of Usyk vs Fury 2, however, Itauma may have to wait in the wings for his career-defining moment.