Whyte vs Itauma live: Fight updates and results as young star knocks out veteran in round one
Follow live as Moses Itauma, 20, looks to claim his biggest scalp yet as he takes on veteran Dillian Whyte
Moses Itauma confirmed his tremendous potential on Saturday night, as the young heavyweight stopped Dillian Whyte in just two minutes.
The all-British clash in Saudi Arabia was billed as Itauma’s sternest test yet, but the 20-year-old made short work of Whyte, 37, dropping and stopping the former world-title challenger in the very first round.
From the first bell, Itauma’s highly-touted speed was on display, not just in his strikes but in his footwork, as he effortlessly evaded the majority of Whyte’s jabs. Then came a cross to the body of veteran, which set up a grazing left hook the head – then another, and a right hook as Whyte stooped.
That led a concerned and hurt Whyte to retreat to the corner, where Itauma poured on more punches. Whyte tried to escape along the ropes but was soon put down by a right hand, which had the “Bodysnatcher” falling face-first to the canvas.
Whyte, to his credit, beat the referee’s count. However, just like in his failed world-title challenge against Tyson Fury in 2023, Whyte then stumbled, leading the referee to wave off the bout. Whyte complained, yet the stoppage felt fair, with the older fighter clearly dazed.
Itauma then said he would “100 per cent” fight again this year, as he aims to extend his 13-0 (11 KOs) professional record, with many in attendance in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, shouting for a match-up against Oleksandr Usyk. Thirty-eight-year-old Usyk, the undisputed heavyweight champion, will likely face another challenger, but fans now eagerly await Itauma’s next showing, with an in-form, elite opponent likely to be next for him.
Re-live the action below:
Fight report: Itauma destroys Whyte in first round for statement win
Young star Moses Itauma destroys Dillian Whyte in first round for statement win
Whyte vs Itauma live: Young star scores first-round KO
Whyte vs Itauma live: Young star scores first-round KO
Whyte vs Itauma live: Young star scores first-round KO
Whyte vs Itauma live: Young star scores first-round KO
Whyte vs Itauma live: Young star scores first-round KO
Itauma says “100 per cent” he’ll fight again by the end of the year.
He’s pressed on who he wants to face next, and keeps referring to the crowd’s chants of “Usyk”.
In an interview with The Independent this week, though, he did say he’s in no rush. He said he’d lose nothing even in defeat against Usyk, though.
Whyte vs Itauma live: Young star scores first-round KO
Itauma is asked who he wants next, and some in the crowd chant “Usyk”.
“If I’m being completely honest,” he says, “Joseph Parker and Agit Kabayel do deserve the opportunity, but I’d love the chance as well. Chuck me in there with them lot.”
Whyte vs Itauma live: Young star scores first-round KO
The official time of the stoppage is 1:59 of the very first round.
Itauma, 20 years old, remains unbeaten at 13-0 with 11 KOs.
Blistering speed on display tonight, as usual from him, and clearly power, too.
Itauma thanks the Saudi crowd in the venue and the British crowd watching at home.
Then: “The final person I’d like to say thanks to is ‘The Bodysnatcher’, Dillian Whyte.”
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