‘We couldn’t do that’… Moses Itauma laments missed shot at greatness ahead of Dillian Whyte step-up (350 words)
Rising heavyweight sensation Moses Itauma has admitted he feels he was denied an early shot at boxing greatness — but insists he’s ready to prove himself when he faces former world title challenger Dillian Whyte later this year.
The 19-year-old prodigy, widely tipped as Britain’s next heavyweight superstar, has raced to 8-0 since turning professional in early 2023. Yet despite his eye-catching performances and growing fanfare, Itauma believes he should already be fighting for major honours.
“We wanted the big fights straight away,” he said. “I was asking for Dubois, for Joyce — anyone in the top ten. But I was told, ‘We couldn’t do that yet.’ Sometimes I feel like that was my shot at greatness. I wanted to prove I belonged right there early, but the opportunities didn’t come.”
Instead, Itauma was carefully matched as he adjusted to the professional ranks. Victories over Croatian dangerman Boris Crighton and tough Belgian Amine Boucetta showcased his hand-speed, timing and power, but critics argued he had yet to be properly tested. Itauma brushed off the suggestions and promised a defining statement when he steps up against Whyte this autumn.
“Dillian’s a real fighter, no messing around,” he said. “He’s been in with Fury, Joshua, Povetkin — he’s done everything in the sport. That’s the kind of test I’ve wanted from day
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