Rising British heavyweight star Moses Itauma has delivered another chilling reminder of his knockout power — but also offered a moment of candid humility. After a thunderous first-round KO win over veteran opponent Michal Boloz, the 19-year-old extended his perfect professional record to 9-0 (7 KOs) and continued to impress fans and pundits alike. Yet in a surprising post-fight revelation, Itauma admitted that his early career goal of breaking Mike Tyson’s historic record as the youngest heavyweight world champion was “naive.”

A Thunderous Statement in the Ring

The setting was electric as Itauma stepped into the ring, carrying the weight of expectation and his growing reputation. Boloz, known for his durability, was no match for the explosive power of Itauma, who wasted no time imposing his will. In under two minutes, Itauma connected with a brutal combination that left Boloz sprawled on the canvas, unable to beat the count.

“I knew he was tough, so I had to be smart — but when I saw the opening, I went for it,” Itauma said after the bout. “This was one of my sharpest performances.”

The win added to Itauma’s growing highlight reel and reaffirmed why he’s regarded as one of Britain’s brightest prospects in the heavyweight division.

The Tyson Dream — And Reality Check

Before turning professional in January 2023, Itauma made headlines by openly declaring his ambition to break Mike Tyson’s record. Tyson became the youngest heavyweight champion at just 20 years and 4 months old when he defeated Trevor Berbick in 1986. For Itauma, that timeline was a motivating factor in launching his pro career early.

However, following his ninth win, Itauma struck a more reflective tone.

“When I turned pro, I really thought I could chase that record. But now I realise it was probably naive. Tyson was a once-in-a-generation fighter — and the landscape now is completely different.”

He added: “I’m still young. I’ve got time. The goal is to become world champion, but I don’t need to rush or force it.”

Learning and Maturity

Itauma’s admission comes as a sign of his growing maturity both inside and outside the ring. While many young fighters are swept up by hype, Itauma is showing increasing awareness of the realities of modern boxing — where title shots are dictated by promotional politics, rankings, and timing.

“I’m learning every fight, not just in the ring but in how the business works,” he said. “I used to want it all at once. Now, I understand the value of patience.”

Trainer Ben Davison echoed that sentiment, praising Itauma’s development:

“He’s got the power, the talent, and the mentality. But what’s impressing me most is how much he’s maturing. He’s no longer just a young knockout artist — he’s becoming a thinking fighter.”

What’s Next?

With Tyson Fury, Oleksandr Usyk, and Anthony Joshua still dominating the upper echelons of heavyweight boxing, Itauma remains several steps away from a world title shot. But at 19, time is on his side — and his handlers at Queensberry Promotions are in no rush to push him too quickly.

Promoter Frank Warren has been clear about the strategy:

“Moses is a special talent, but we won’t throw him in too deep too soon. We’ll build him properly. He’s got the potential to rule this division for years — but the key is bringing him along the right way.”

Heavyweight Landscape and Opportunity

The heavyweight division is currently experiencing a renaissance, with undisputed titles finally being unified and new names emerging. While Itauma might not be in the world title mix just yet, his rise is perfectly timed. As older champions begin to fade and belts potentially become vacant, Itauma could find his opportunity sooner than expected.

Fan and Industry Reaction

Fans and pundits alike were quick to praise Itauma’s performance and his honest self-assessment. Social media buzzed with highlights of his latest KO, while boxing insiders applauded his growth mindset.

“He’s showing he’s more than hype,” tweeted analyst Carl Froch. “If he keeps learning like this, the sky’s the limit.”

Final Word

Moses Itauma may have moved away from chasing Mike Tyson’s legendary record — but in doing so, he’s stepping into his own identity. The dream of becoming a world champion is still alive, and if his recent performances are anything to go by, that dream might become reality sooner than later.

“The record was Tyson’s. Mine will be different — but just as special,” Itauma concluded.

And if his fists continue to speak the way they did against Boloz, the world will be watching — and listening.