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Moses Itauma’s most devastating knockouts
Moses Itauma returns to the ring to face veteran Dillian Whyte this weekend, with the pair going head-to-head live on DAZN.
20-year-old Itauma,12-0 (10), is tipped for big things, including world titles, in part down to his power. Currently on a streak of eight straight stoppage wins, Itauma will be aiming for another knockout victory to add to his collection this weekend.
We’ve taken a look back at Itauma’s embryonic career to select five of his best knockouts to date.
5. Marcel Bode – January 2023
Where better place to start than the first fight of Itauma’s professional career, a bout that lasted just 24 seconds at Wembley Arena. Already hyped thanks to an unbeaten record across 20 amateur fights, 19-year-old Itauma highlighted that he had power with his first punches in the pro ranks.
Marcel Bode struggled from the off, a shot to the ribs sending him panicking, before a left jab through his guard had him squatting into the ropes for some form of relief.
Sensing his opponent was easy prey, Itauma stepped forward with a left hook to the temple, Bode falling and bouncing off the ropes. The Czech managed to get to his feet at the second attempt, but was clearly uneasy, leading to referee Mark Bates to wave the contest off.
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4. Mariusz Wach – July 2024
A former world title challenger, Mariusz Wach had been the distance with plenty of notable names, such as Wladimir Klitschko, Dillian Whyte, Hughie Fury, Kevin Johnson, and Frazer Clarke.
Fighters such as Martin Bakole, Jarrell Miller, and Alexander Povetkin managed to stop the Pole, but only late into their bouts with Wach.
By stopping 'The Viking' in the second round, Itauma inflicted the earliest stoppage of Wach’s career. With just over a minute remaining of the round, Itauma hit a left jab and right hook combo to send Wach to the flaw.
The veteran managed to get back to his feet, only for Itauma to quickly back him into a corner and release a flurry of punches. Wach’s half-hearted attempts at fighting back quickly subdued, with the referee calling the fight off.
3. Mike Balogun – May 2025
Mike Balogun was Itauma’s most recent victim, the 41-year-old sent back to the United States after two rounds in May.
Midway through the first round Balogun got a taste of Itauma’s power, a left thrown straight putting the American on the floor. Balogun got back to his feet and continued, wary and slightly skittish when engaging with his much younger opponent.
At the start of the second both fighters eyed each other up. When Balogun came to engage, he walked on to an Itauma right hook that had him back on the canvas. Once more, Balogun was able to stand up before being counted out, but his approach after the second knockdown was frantic to say the least.
This time, as a desperate Balogun overextended, Itauma dished out a right hook to send his opponent to the canvas.
However impressive the knockout was, Balogun’s age and lack of serious previous opposition takes a bit of the shine off the stoppage.
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2. Ilja Mezencev – May 2024
Ahead of his return to the Gulf state this weekend, Itauma will be confident. Saudi Arabia has been a happy hunting ground for the 20-year-old, with three knockout wins on his three previous trips.
Last May, he made short work of Ilja Mezencev, taking just two rounds to defeat his opponent.
The favourite heading into the contest, Itauma was in control throughout. Towards the end of the opening three minutes, Itauma had the German-Kazakh stunned, backing him into a neutral corner with a flurry of punches.
Respite arrived for Mezencev when Itauma clearly pushed his rival over, the referee stepping in and resetting the fighters. The bell sounded immediately after, allowing Mezencev safe passage into the next round.
After a cagey start to the second stanza, Mezencev attempted to engage with a right-jab, left-hook combination. That left him vulnerable to an Itauma right hook, the prodigy throwing two in quick succession as Mezencev buckled at the knee.
Able to rise, Mezencev was wobbling all over, leaving the referee with no choice but to call the contest off.
1. Demsey McKean – December 2024
There is a strong argument to be made that Demsey McKean is the best fighter Itauma has faced in his first 12 fights, the Australian they call ‘The Tower’ breaking onto the international scene by defeating Patrick Korte for the IBF inter-continental heavyweight title in 2022.
His subsequent bout with Filip Hrgovic in 2023 ended in McKean’s first career loss, the Croatian taking 12 rounds to win by technical knockout.
That showed how tough a customer McKean could be, but Itauma took just over two minutes to topple ‘The Tower’ on the undercard of Oleksandr Usyk’s second victory over Tyson Fury.
An overhand left found the temple of the Australian, putting him to the canvas for the first time. A similar shot found its way through again, causing McKean to sickenlingly fold over.
The referee had not choice but to stop the contest, with Itauma picking up the WBO inter-continental, WBA international, and Commonwealth Silver titles.
Watch Itauma vs Whyte live on DAZN
Moses Itauma vs Dillian Whyte is live and exclusive on DAZN PPV this Saturday, August 16. Buy the PPV for a one-off fee or get it for free by purchasing a DAZN annual subscription (exc. US).
More information, pricing and to buy click here.
