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Moses Itauma reveals 'man of wisdom' ahead of world heavyweight title charge
The year 2026 is set to be a big one for British heavyweight Moses Itauma.
The knockout artist returns to the ring on January 24 when he faces Jermaine Franklin live on DAZN, and a win over the American could be the start of a world title charge.
With all of his knockout wins, including his most recent against Dillian Whyte, going viral and being seen by millions of people around the world, winning a world heavyweight title will cement Itauma as one of the biggest names in world boxing.
Appearing on DAZN's Spotlight, Itauma spoke about his relationship with former world champion Tyson Fury and why he is an inspiration.
Itauma calls Fury a 'man of wisdom'
There is a lot of expectation and pressure placed on the shoulders of Itauma.
With Fury retired, British heavyweight boxing is searching for its superstar, many are backing Itauma to fill this void as a result of his actions inside and outside of the ring.
At one point during his heavyweight journey, Itauma shared the same trainer as Fury in the form of Ben Davison. While Fury moved on to 'Sugar Hill' Steward, Itauma has fond memories of spending time with 'The Gypsy King' and labelled him as someone full of wisdom.
"Being in Tyson Fury’s camp, I don’t see him as this big superstar, I see him as a man of wisdom," Itauma told DAZN's Spotlight. "Sitting down and talking to him, we spoke about the bible, we spoke about relationships, we spoke about everything."
Itauma then made no secret that Fury is someone who inspires him after his world title success.
"You guys think Tyson Fury is an icon and a legend; I guess he is in the sport. To his family, he’s still just Tyson Fury and to me he’s a man who successfully executed what I’m trying to do, which is become heavyweight champion of the world."
If Itauma does win a world title before the end of 2026, there will be a lot of baggage which comes with it, including everyone from all areas of society wanting to have a piece of an athlete in possesion of one of sport's most coveted prizes.
However, the 21-year-old appears to have a tight knit circle of those he trusts around him along with stating that he has no intention of immersing himself in the glitz and the glamour which often comes with being a successful boxer.
"When I’m around people I can trust, I can be myself.
"I don’t want to make new friends, I don’t want to have any celebrity friends, I’ve never put attention on becoming a star, I don’t want to be that."
Watch Itauma vs. Franklin with a DAZN subscription
Raising star Moses Itauma faces his toughest test yet against Jermaine Franklin on Saturday, January 24, as part of the Queensberry Magnificent 7 fight card. Watch exclusively with DAZN a subscription, monthly and annual options available.
