While the last British boxer narrowly advanced to the quarter-finals, Moses Itauma, the young talent poised to shine in the City of Light by capturing the Olympic gold in the ring, was enjoying lunch in London’s West End.
Seeing Itauma savoring an expensive, juicy steak instead of battling super-heavyweights in Paris is a poignant moment.
When asked why he turned down his designated spot in Team GB, this teenage sensation fidgets with his fork as he searches for the right words. Eventually, he states: ‘My priority had to be making my mother, shall we say, comfortable.’
She is now more comfortable than he is when discussing the hardships of his upbringing.
While poverty has served as a breeding ground for many boxing champions, the extent of Itauma’s struggles during his boyhood on the Kent coast is particularly striking.
Seeing Itauma savoring an expensive, juicy steak instead of battling super-heavyweights in Paris is a poignant moment
When asked why he turned down his designated spot in Team GB, this teenage sensation fidgets with his fork while seeking the right words
Boxing has been the salvation of countless youngsters in various manners
‘Let me put it this way,’ he explains cautiously: ‘We always had breakfast, but often when we asked what was for dinner, our father would respond: Sleep for dinner.’
Avoiding hunger by hiding under the bed covers was a common situation in post-war Britain. This was less familiar about a decade ago, as Itauma and his Romanian mother, Nigerian father, and two brothers moved from the Slovakian village of Kezmarok to the port town of Chatham.
Their initial struggles were worth it for a family fleeing the racism that is all too familiar to those who’ve seen the professional football scene in Eastern Europe. Itauma shares: ‘We could no longer tolerate the stares and abuse. Especially my father. He decided it was time to leave for England. I was being cared for by my grandmother, so I was the last to leave, at eight.’
As living conditions improved in their new home, so did Itauma’s weight, largely due to fast food. He recalls: ‘As a child, I ballooned to nearly 20 stone.’
Boxing has provided salvation for countless young people in numerous ways. Getting serious about the sport—’I got serious about boxing after losing interest in football’—has transformed the once hefty boy into a fit 17 stones of lean, muscular strength. He embodies more of a Muhammad Ali style than a Tyson Fury, the latter being one of many notable names with whom he has sparred. His observation from the gym: ‘Tyson buzzed my head in some rounds, but I also held my own in others.’
His lengthy deliberation regarding the Olympics came to an end when he signed a professional contract on his 18th birthday. Frank Warren, who recently donated £1 million to the BoxWise charity supporting disadvantaged youth, generously provided funds for two Chatham houses that the once impoverished Itauma has already invested in.
‘It was the only choice,’ the fighter opts. ‘The decision I had to make even though Rob McCracken told me I was ahead of Delicious Orie for the super-heavyweight spot in Paris.’
Coach McCracken has guided numerous world champions through his Olympic programs, including Anthony Joshua, Amir Khan, James DeGale, and Nicola Adams. Had Itauma chosen differently, he might be feeling less pressure now after what many consider a disappointing Paris 2024, even with light-middleweight Lewis Richardson perhaps surpassing the guaranteed bronze that all other five members of the GB team could not achieve. The “Delicious One” – like Moses and AJ, boasts Nigerian roots – was among them.
Frank Warren, who recently donated £1 million to the BoxWise charity supporting disadvantaged youth, generously funded two Chatham homes in which the once impoverished Itauma has already invested
He exhibits more Muhammad Ali traits than Tyson Fury, with the latter being just one of many notable figures he has sparred against
Itauma stated: ‘The decision I had to make even though Rob McCracken told me I was ahead of Delicious Orie for the super-heavyweight spot in Paris’
Despite heading to Paris this week to watch the finals, Itauma feels no regret.
‘None,’ he proclaims: ‘I’ve also made the best decision for my career. At 19, I’m a year and a half along and ten wins into my professional career, well ahead of where I’d be if I had participated in the Games. I’m much closer to challenging for a world title.’
He also holds the remarkable distinction of being undefeated as an amateur. His 24 victories were followed by ten professional wins, each contributing to a flawless record, a reflection of his development as a fighter. He admits that in the early stages of his professional career, he went the six-round distance in two fights. ‘In hindsight,’ he reflects, ‘I should have finished those fights like I did the others. But those bouts also provided me with crucial ring experience.’
That experience surpasses what the other eight fighters could muster. Even Mariusz Wach, the towering Polish veteran known for his durability against champions, was taken out in under two rounds during a recent fight at the O2, where he was on the undercard for the Derek Chisora-Joe Joyce match.
His power is so pronounced that his manager, Francis Warren, mentions, ‘It’s a nightmare to find sparring partners, let alone opponents willing to face him.’
‘I’m ready to take on any prominent name,’ says Itauma. Hopefully, money can talk in that context. The Saudis, who are financing the mega-fights for Fury and Joshua, have shown interest after witnessing his explosive performance during the Gypsy King’s undisputed title loss to Oleksandr Usyk in Riyadh.
That event also afforded him the opportunity to mingle with legendary fighters who attended a royal reception. He shares: ‘I relished being in the company of greats like Mike Tyson and Manny Pacquiao. I observed how they navigate fame. Growing up, I admired Naseem Hamed. However, I don’t have idols. I am my own fighter.’
His older brother Karol also fights under the Queensberry banner, and when he suffered his first defeat, Moses described himself as ‘heartbroken.’
Karol describes his younger sibling as ‘cold.’ Respectfully, I would prefer to term him as ‘cool.’ Moses presents himself as composed and strategic in conversation, much like he does in the ring. His Romanian heritage notwithstanding, he carries himself with the courteous demeanor of an English gentleman. Who knew? A British education remains a solid foundation for aspiration.
Itauma has expressed the ambition to break Mike Tyson’s record as the youngest heavyweight champion in history. Tyson was just 20 years, four months, and 22 days old when he delivered a second-round knockout of Trevor Berbick in November 1986 to claim the WBC title. Undercutting that feat would require Itauma to secure one of the belts by next May, which is unlikely given the crowded heavyweight division’s top tier.
Usyk, Fury, and Joshua are all entangled in a series of matches and rematches concerning their respective titles, which will occupy them until the close of 2025.
Itauma carries the remarkable distinction of being unbeaten as an amateur
Itauma aims to surpass Mike Tyson’s record as the youngest heavyweight champion in boxing history
It’s no surprise that this Bible-reading Christian has adapted the name given to him in Slovakia—Enrico—to one derived from the Old Testament
In response, Itauma offers this thoughtful insight: ‘I feel I’m prepared for any of them right now. Anytime. Regardless of what my team believes. But if facing other competitors first grants me additional experience, that’s fine too.’
Here speaks a man who appreciates the God-given talents of his swift feet and rapid hands, which deliver punches with tremendous power.
It’s clear why this Bible-reading Christian has chosen to rename himself from his childhood name in Slovakia—Enrico—to one from the Old Testament. The wisdom of Moses is indeed rare in someone so young.
