Moses Itauma, at just 21 years old, is making a mark similar to Mike Tyson’s, heading towards a world title opportunity. With a devastating style, Itauma seeks to emulate Tyson’s feat, who at 20 became the youngest heavyweight champion in history.
Itauma, with a record of 13 wins and no losses (11 by KO), will face American Jermaine Franklin in Manchester, England. The expectation grows around his career, many predict that he will become the most prominent figure in the heavyweight division.
Itauma’s efficiency in finishing fights by the quick route evokes comparisons to Tyson in his early days. His quick victories generate enthusiasm among fans and attract television and streaming companies, which could accelerate his path to a world championship.
Mike Tyson’s Rise to Fame
Tyson’s path to stardom was meteoric. Before fighting for his first world title, he was already world-renowned, with a higher international profile than Itauma currently has. His fights were synonymous with KO, capturing the attention of spectators before his first big challenge.
After a difficult childhood, Tyson moved to Catskill, New York, to train with Cus D’Amato, who previously guided Floyd Patterson to the world heavyweight championship. Under D’Amato’s tutelage, Tyson developed an aggressive boxing style with great punching power.
I found a boy who will surpass Floyd Patterson as the youngest heavyweight champion of all time. Remember that name: Mike Tyson.
Cus D’Amato
Tyson debuted as a professional in June 1985, winning his first 18 fights by KO. Notably, 12 of those victories were in the first round.
Tyson’s impressive KO streak terrorized the heavyweight division in the 1980s. Nine months before becoming world champion, he defeated Jesse Ferguson in six rounds, and then declared about his final uppercut: “I try to hit him on the tip of the nose to push the bone into the brain.”
Many opponents seemed defeated before getting in the ring against Tyson.
When I walk to the ring and look my opponent in the eyes, I can see the fear.
Mike Tyson
With his 17th consecutive KO victory against Mike Jameson in January 1986, Tyson surpassed Rocky Marciano’s record for KO victories since the start of his career. In less than two years as a professional, Tyson dethroned Trevor Berbick by TKO in the second round, becoming the WBC heavyweight world champion in November 1986.
I was throwing hydrogen bombs. This is the moment I’ve been waiting for my whole life.
Mike Tyson
At that time, Tyson dominated the heavyweight division until 1990.
That kid Tyson is dynamite. I couldn’t believe the speed of his punches, it was incredible. He’s going to be a great champion. As good as Ali? Let’s wait and see, but it’s very possible, the potential at his age is tremendous.
Angelo Dundee
With 20 years old, Tyson unified the titles by winning the WBA belt against James ‘Bonecrusher’ Smith in March 1987 and became undisputed champion after defeating Tony Tucker in August 1987.
Itauma: Power and Precision
Unlike Tyson, who was more active in the 1980s, Itauma has had fewer fights. However, he has managed to maintain a similar pace in terms of first-round victories. Of his first 13 fights, Itauma has knocked out eight opponents in the first round, compared to Tyson’s nine first-round victories in his first 13 fights.
Physically, there are differences. Tyson was 1.81 meters tall and weighed 99 kg, throwing his hooks and uppercuts from a crouched position. Itauma, a southpaw of 1.93 meters and 106 kg, is taller and heavier, and relies more on his jab and footwork to create opportunities.
Itauma demonstrated impressive hand speed and punching power by knocking out Dillian Whyte in 119 seconds in August.
I’m only 20 years old, so I have 10 or 15 years left.
Moses Itauma
Itauma, who turned professional at 18 like Tyson, has shown power in both fists. He defeated Demsey McKean (December 2024) with a left hook in the first round, and Mike Balogun (May 2025) was knocked down by a right hook in the second round.
To put Itauma’s dominance in perspective, the current number 1 heavyweight, Oleksandr Usyk, has not finished any professional opponent in less than two rounds, while Fury has recorded six victories in the first two rounds, most at the beginning of his career.
Rocky Marciano finished 11 of his first 15 opponents in the first two rounds.
Vitali Klitschko defeated his first 10 professional opponents in two rounds in one year; he won his first 27 professional fights by KO.
Deontay Wilder knocked out 13 of his first 15 professional opponents in two rounds.
Anthony Joshua stopped 12 of his first 15 professional opponents in just over two years.
Itauma: At the Gates of the Title
Itauma could join the list of the youngest heavyweight champions and could rise quickly among those who have won a world title in the fewest fights. Joshua conquered his first world title in his 16th professional fight, and Itauma is well-positioned to have the opportunity to fight for a belt soon.
Tyson Fury commented: “I’ve been in his training camp for the last three years, so I know what he’s capable of. I’d like to see him win some titles, it’s fine for him to say he’s going to be the next Muhammad Ali, but when he hasn’t won an English or British title, it’s hard to convince the world.”
Fury warned that age is a factor.
Itauma seems on track to get a world title opportunity in the next 12 months, especially if Usyk decides to vacate any of his belts.
Itauma is number 1 in the WBA rankings, behind the WBA “regular” champion, Murat Gassiev. He is also the number 1 challenger for the WBO champion, Fabio Wardley, who was elevated to world champion after Usyk vacated the title in November.
Although Tyson generated more global anticipation and attention on his path to the world title success 40 years ago, Itauma’s culminating moment seems an inevitability in its current form, just as it was for Tyson.
