Britain’s next heavyweight star? Moses Itauma, 20, delivers scary knockout in Scotland to continue his remarkable rise

• Itauma had hoped to become the youngest-ever heavyweight world champion
• He added another win to his record, knocking down Mike Balogun three times
• The 20-year-old prodigy could next be in action at Wembley later on this year

By LEWIS BROWNING

Moses Itauma delivered yet another brutal knockout on Saturday night to continue his rapid rise in the heavyweight boxing scene.

The 20-year-old, who had previously expressed his desire to become the youngest world heavyweight champion in history, made another statement to suggest that he is heading for the top of the division.

In his first fight since missing out on his target, the Chatham-based star took on former NFL player Mike Balogun, dominating him on the undercard of Josh Taylor’s clash with Ekow Essuman.

It proved to be another successful night’s work for the up-and-coming star, as he dominated the 41-year-old, dropping him twice before delivering his latest devastating knockout blow.

In doing do, he moved to 12-0 in the professional game, with fans clambering for him to move up the ranks quicker than his current rate.

It remains to be seen who the prodigy will face next, but Frank Warren has teased that he could earn a spot on the undercard of Oleksandr Usyk’s bout with Daniel Dubois at Wembley on July 19.

Moses Itauma delivered another devastating knockout blow in his latest victory in the heavyweight division

The Chatham-native knocked out former NFL player Mike Balogun, dropping him three times

Itauma has been tipped for the top of the division, having missed out on his bid to become the youngest-ever world champion

It was naturally a quick start from Itauma, who wasted no time imposing his dominance in the ring and getting the better of the earlier exchanges.

Two left hands in the opening round gave him an early advantage, with Balogun hitting the deck but managing to beat the count.

The fight was all but over by the bell, but still it continued, and a strong right hand scored the second knockout with seconds on the clock.

It was then a left hook which caused the final blow, with Balogun left flat on his back and unable to get back to his feet, with the referee waving off the contest.

The bout was as routine as it gets for Itauma, who could face off against Martin Bakole in the near future.

‘He is a tough cookie,’ Itauma said of his opponent after the fight. ‘I was catching him clean.

‘Even that second one, I turned round and he was trying to get up. Fair play to him. I knew that this was his big chance. I like to appreciate Mike Balogun for taking this opportunity, because not a lot of people would.’

Itauma has already fought on two Tyson Fury undercards in Saudi Arabia, drawing praise from the Gypsy King, and has looked the real deal on both occasions.

He has also enjoyed success against the likes of Demsey McKean, Mariusz Wach and Ilja Mezencev in his short career, with 10 of his 12 victories coming inside the distance. 

Daniel DuboisFrank Warren

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Britain’s next heavyweight star? Moses Itauma, 20, delivers scary knockout in Scotland to continue his remarkable rise

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