Britain's rising heavyweight sensation Moses Itauma will step into the ring with veteran Dillian Whyte in Riyadh on August 16, marking the most significant test of the 20-year-old's burgeoning career so far.
The unbeaten prospect from Kent faces a considerable leap in class against the 37-year-old former world title challenger in Saudi Arabia.
Itauma has won all of his 12 professional bouts to date, with 10 by knockout, establishing himself as one of British boxing's most exciting talents.
The bout against Whyte, who boasts 31 victories from 34 fights, represents a defining moment for the youngster's championship ambitions.
Dillian Whyte (right) was in line for a rematch with Anthony Joshua
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The Body Snatcher was the frontrunner to fight Anthony Joshua next, after Joshua's year-long hiatus from the ring, however, he signed to fight the young and upcoming star Itauma instead.
Itauma was born in Slovakia but relocated to Chatham aged three and quickly caught the attention of promoter Frank Warren.
By 16, he was already sparring former world champion Lawrence Okolie.
His powerful southpaw style and sharp movement have generated considerable excitement within British boxing circles.
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20-year-old Moses Itauma recently won the WBO Inter-Continental heavyweight bout against Mike BalogunPAPreviously tipped to potentially break Mike Tyson's record as the youngest heavyweight champion at 20 years and four months, Itauma has continued his destructive form.
In May, he dispatched Mike Balogun in just two rounds, maintaining his reputation as a devastating finisher.
His early career has been marked by exceptional sparring experiences with Britain's heavyweight elite.
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Itauma's education in the ring has included sparring sessions with Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury.
"Joshua hit me very hard," he revealed on talkSPORT, recalling their encounter when he was just 16.
The youngster believes Fury is the superior fighter but acknowledged Joshua's punching power.
He explained their sparring philosophy: "You don't really learn from knocking people out in sparring."
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Moses Itauma has won all 12 professional bouts so far, with 10 knockouts
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Itauma described an "unspoken agreement" between heavyweight sparring partners: "All of us have the capability to knock each other out, and it only takes one shot."
The Gypsy King shared wisdom with the prospect during their sessions, with Itauma confident he held his own against the world champion.
On the other hand, Whyte's recent career has been marked by setbacks and controversy.
The former world title challenger, who has faced Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury, saw a 2023 rematch with AJ cancelled following Whyte's failed drug test.
He maintained his innocence and claimed he was cleared of wrongdoing, returning to action in Ireland in March 2024.
The 37-year-old secured stoppage victories over Christian Hammer and Ebenezer Tetteh, though his performances appeared far from his previous standards.
For Whyte, this bout offers redemption and relevance, for Itauma, it presents an opportunity to announce himself against an established name on the Saudi stage.
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