Itauma vs. Whyte: A tale of two personalities at Thursday's press conference

Heading into Thursday's press conference ahead of their Saturday clash, live on DAZN PPV, it was to be expected that Dillian Whyte would ramp up the fight week antics to attempt to get inside the head of 20-year-old phenom, Moses Itauma. From getting under the skin of Joe Joyce and Anthony Joshua to no-showing the presser with Tyson Fury, Whyte has been known how to push the right buttons to sell fights.

But we have seen a more subdued "Body Snatcher" leading into this weekend's heavyweight clash. He's been very respectful to Itauma, to the point where one would suspect the young Brit is getting set up for the punchline. Even Itauma admitted he thought Whyte was playing mind games, but then went out of his character, and the tone increased to let Whyte know what was going to happen on fight night.

"I think there’s a rule in the 48 Laws of Power where you play a sheep to catch you off," Itauma said at Thursday's presser. "I feel like that’s what Dillian Whyte is doing. If he is, it doesn’t matter. I’m going to bring the heat Saturday night."

Whyte was on the dais, cool as a cucumber. No masks, no obnoxious clothing. Just a 37-year-old happy to be getting another big fight on the big stage. Throughout the press conference, the host kept trying to prod Whyte into engaging in trash talk, but Whyte decided he wasn't going to play along.

"I’ve had a few main events. Some big PPV fights," Whyte admitted. "There’s so much left for me to achieve in the game. I haven’t sat back and looked at my career and thought about this and think about that. I’m someone that’s not supposed to be here. I'm a kid from Jamaica that’s been written off many times. Here I am."

Watching both guys on the dais, you could see Itauma wanted Whyte to talk a little bit more so he could spew a little more trash talk. But Whyte was smiling, not going to give any clickbait headlines, and staying focused on the task at hand.

"I come to fight," Whyte said. "Nothing’s changed. I’m going to try and find a way to get a victory and give my all in the ring. Nothing’s changed."

But at the end of the presser, Whyte and Itauma went face-to-face and locked eyes.

Right away, Itauma started talking trash. And that finally was enough for Whyte, and he came back at Itauma. They both talked a little more and then Itauma flexed in front of Whyte. 

 

 

Do the new personalities of Whyte and Itauma, at least for this fight, make a difference in the result? 

Tune in and find out.

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.