Moses Itauma vs Dillian Whyte: Who has the edge heading into their fight?

Moses Itauma could very well be a future superstar of heavyweight boxing.

The 20-year-old will look to launch himself further into the conversation of being ready to challenge for a world title Saturday when he clashes with veteran and former championship contender Dillian Whyte in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, and live on DAZN Pay-Per-View.

Itauma (12-0, 10 KOs) has produced eight consecutive TKOs, including his dazzling second-round stoppage of Mike Balogun in May.

Another brilliant victory and he could be knocking on the door for a world title opportunity next.

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To get there, Itauma will face his sternest test to date in Whyte (31-3, 21 KOs), who is coming off a seventh-round stoppage of Ebenezer Tetteh in December.

With the focus on whether Itauma can take a giant leap forward, DAZN News analyzes who has the edge between this rising star and veteran in this weekend’s heavyweight tilt.

Boxing Styles

At 20 years old, Moses Itauma seems to check all boxes with his style, consistently demonstrating sharp ring IQ and blazing hand speed with accuracy, all packaged in an abundance of sweet science skills.

A southpaw, Itauma also delivers a fair share of sorcery whether diversifying head-body combinations or feinting to the body, only to unleash something more devastating upstairs.

These tools will be tested against Dillian Whyte, who is best when on the front foot and walking opponents down from the orthodox stance. Whyte, though slower with footwork, hand speed and volume, is a blunt, capable puncher.

But Itauma’s slicing quickness and angles could present a complex puzzle for ‘The Body Snatcher’ to overcome.

Edge: Itauma

Power

Anyone in the heavyweight division possesses enough power to end a bout with one shot.

Whyte certainly has pop to his shots, having notched 21 of his 31 wins by knockout.

That said, his fourth-round TKO of Alexander Povetkin in their March 2021 rematch was his last stoppage of high value.

Whyte will be up against the surging power of Itauma, who has collected 10 of his 12 wins via knockout.

His hand speed from which he is able to generate his electric power gives Itauma the edge here, too.

Edge: Itauma

Mental Warfare

The pressure is on Itauma to produce a statement victory that puts his bid to become boxing’s next heavyweight star into liftoff, perhaps followed by orbit with subsequent wins.

So that could sway the mental warfare needle to Whyte, who will enter the ring with less pressure and nearly triple the experience.

However, growing confidence has to be considered here and Itauma is brimming with it.

This category is the closest yet, but again, Itauma gets the nod.

Edge: Itauma

Who has the edge in Itauma vs Whyte?

The groundswell of fans and critics who believe Moses Itauma is the future of the heavyweight division has reached a tipping point.

A sensational win over Whyte would rise his star into ascension. A first professional loss would form a cloud of questions.

In his biggest test to date, Itauma must make an eye-opening statement. DAZN News gives him the 3-0 edge to do just that.

It feels like Moses Itauma's time. Now, he must prove it.

Watch Itauma vs Whyte live on DAZN

Moses Itauma vs Dillian Whyte is live and exclusive on DAZN PPV this Saturday, August 16. Watch the PPV for free by purchasing a DAZN annual subscription (exc. US).

More information, pricing and to buy click here.