Moses Itauma lifted out of ring after losing IBF title bout to Filip Hrgovic

Moses Itauma has a rare story behind his ascent.

Itauma was born in Slovakia to a Slovak mother and a Nigerian father, but was brought up from an early age in England, after moving  to Kent.

Originally, his parents had hoped that he might become a doctor or lawyer, but instead he followed his older brother, Karol, into boxing. While some parents might have been sceptical about that career choice, Itauma’s family became supportive when they realised his talent.

“There’s a lot of expectations on my shoulders to carry the flag of British boxing. I just have to live up to it,” Itauma told the BBC.

Itauma was spotted by Frank Warren’s son, Francis, as a teenager, with the Queensberry man noting his talent as he sparred with professional fighters, where he was able to get the better of far more experienced, and much older, opponents.

Boxing journalist, the excellent Gareth A. Davies, notes that while we can also see his exceptional talent, there is still a feeling that he has to show us more. All his wins have come so quickly, and with so much more to spare, that we may yet have seen him truly tested.

Davies wrote in The Telegraph earlier this month: “Moses Itauma was spectacular in demolishing old warrior Dillian Whyte here in just 119 seconds of utter dominance, but there is still one thing missing for the 20-year-old: rounds in the bank.

“In thirteen career fights, Itauma has fought just 26 rounds, stopping eleven of those victims.”

Will Hrgovic last any longer than previous opponents?