Will fast-tracked Moses Itauma become world champion at 21?
British heavyweight boxer Moses Itauma is preparing for a title fight against Filip Hrgovic at age 21. He aims to become the second-youngest heavyweight champion in history while navigating the pressures of public life.
Why it matters
Itauma is positioned as a potential successor to the legacy of British boxing icons like Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury.
Figure caption, 'I'd be the youngest heavyweight champion since Mike Tyson' - Itauma
British heavyweight Moses Itauma pulls out his phone and scrolls through his pictures.
He shows a meme featuring former Nigerian president Olusegun Obasanjo in traditional attire, standing with his hands on his hips and staring deadpan into the camera.
"This is how an African dad looks at you when you pursue a career that goes against his wishes and you turn out to be successful," a chuckling Itauma reads aloud to BBC Sport. "That is pretty much my dad."
Itauma was born in Slovakia to a Nigerian father and a Slovak mother before moving to Kent as a young child.
His parents originally wanted him to become a doctor or a lawyer. But once his older brother turned professional and the family recognised Itauma's exceptional natural talent, their stance softened.
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