Moses Itauma: The star boxer who shuns fame, but shines in the ring

In the world of boxing, while movie stars and other artists parade through renowned events, the mind of Moses Itauma, a young boxer of 21 years old, is focused on a single goal: boxing. Itauma, considered a boxing promise, has been recognized and awarded in the sports world. However, unlike other young people his age, his priority is the gym.

I know boxing is the most important thing for me. When I was at those parties and things like that… Obviously it’s great, it’s fun to be with new people, but I had the idea: “I need to go back to the gym”.

Moses Itauma

This approach has been well received by his coach, Ben Davison. Itauma has seen firsthand how bad decisions can affect a champion aspirant. Red carpets and long nights can wait.

It happened to many of my friends. Many of my friends could have been something, but then they got caught up in the party life. Even if you ask my amateur coaches, they all said I wasn’t the most talented boxer… I didn’t hit the hardest, I wasn’t the best, but I had the consistency to keep going. Everyone else went partying.

Moses Itauma

Now, with invitations arriving in droves, Itauma remains steadfast. He has demonstrated maturity and a great capacity for self-assessment. The success and praise he has already received have made him realize, before it’s too late, what others never do. Stays firm in his approach to boxing and life, willing to forge his own path.

I started to realize that my family became more important… And then those who weren’t so important, they just left. Everyone says, “Oh, you’ve changed.” I’m supposed to have, my whole life has changed. You’re not supposed to stay like a caterpillar.

Moses Itauma

His upcoming fight against American Jermaine Franklin Jr. on March 28 in Manchester is expected to be a true test for the prospect, given that Itauma has only gone past the second round twice as a professional.

Itauma defeated Dillian Whyte in the first round last August, before injuries and difficulty finding opponents slowed his progress. His promoter, Frank Warren, hopes his protégé will face Franklin before more important fights later this year.

Itauma has had a great performance. Now he faces an experienced fighter like Jermaine. Two losses in his record against a very good Dillian Whyte and Anthony Joshua. He went the distance with Joshua. Can Moses do what they couldn’t? Jermaine wants this job, that’s why he’s here. This is a great moment for young Moses in his career, but I believe in him.

Frank Warren

For Franklin, it’s another opportunity he thought he had lost. The victory over Ivan Dychko propelled him back into the spotlight after several uncertain years. At one point, he declared bankruptcy and had to work full-time outside of boxing to support his family. He didn’t fight in 2020 or 2021 before the defeats against Whyte and Joshua in 2022 and 2023, respectively, when he was forced to climb the ladder once more. With everything that has happened, Franklin says it’s a dream come true to headline another show in the UK. Franklin will be desperate for a win against Itauma on March 28. However, he will face Itauma, a reluctant superstar who may have no choice but to embrace the spotlight if knockouts keep piling up.