British heavyweight Moses Itauma admits it was ‘naive’ to target elusive Mike Tyson record in the boxing ring – after extending unbeaten record with BRUTAL knockout

• 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 JAMES COHEN

Moses Itauma has admitted he was ‘naive’ to think that he could break Mike Tyson’s record for being the youngest heavyweight world champion in history. 

The 20-year-old, who had previously expressed his desire to beat Tyson’s elusive record, made another big statement on Saturday as he extended his unbeaten record.

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, who moved to 12-0 in the professional game.

However, Itauma has now passed the age – 20 years and four months old – that Tyson was when he became heavyweight champion and, upon reflection, Itauma admitted that it was an ‘impossible’ goal. 

Speaking to BBC 5 Live Boxing with Steve Bunce podcast, Itauma said: ‘When I turned professional it was about chasing that record. Now that record is off the books, I am just trying to take my time with it.

Moses Itauma has admitted he was ‘naive’ to think that he could break Mike Tyson’s record

Itauma has now passed the age – 20 years and four months old – that Tyson was when he became heavyweight champion

‘In the first two months of me being professional, I realised that goal’s impossible. I was naive when I said that. I said that before I turned professional.

‘I didn’t realise how much you can’t control in this boxing game. You think since I turned professional, the world champions have been Daniel Dubois, Oleksandr Usyk and Tyson Fury.

‘There’s no way in two years I would have put myself in a position to fight them.’

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.

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.

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

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.

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British heavyweight Moses Itauma admits it was ‘naive’ to target elusive Mike Tyson record in the boxing ring – after extending unbeaten record with BRUTAL knockout

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