British teenage heavyweight Moses Itauma secured the WBO intercontinental championship against Ilja Mezencev on Saturday night, stopping the fight in the second round as he continued to impress as he continues his quest to become a world champion. Watch the ‘Ring of Fire’ card, live on TNT Sports Box Office for £24.99, with coverage starting from 15:00 BST.
Frank Warren believes Moses Itauma is “the best young heavyweight prospect in years” after he demolished Ilja Mezencev.
The 19-year-old recorded his ninth career win as he maintained his unbeaten record with his second appearance in Riyadh on the Fury v Usyk undercard, which is live on TNT Sports Box Office.
Itauma is one year younger than Mike Tyson was when he became the youngest heavyweight world champion and while matching that record may be fanciful, he nonetheless gained a ranking when he became the WBO intercontinental champion with his win.
Warren, speaking to TNT Sports, cautioned that he did not want to move Itauma up the rankings too quickly, but also wondered who would be willing to take on his man.
“I don’t want a top-10 record because we want to take it step by step,” Warren said.
Warren continued: “World Junior heavyweight champion. World junior European championship. Knocked everyone out in the first round.
“He is the best young heavyweight prospect for years.
“The problem is finding someone to take his punches.”
Speaking alongside David Haye after his win, Itauma said: “I’m over the moon. Any praise I get from someone who paved the way for me, I appreciate it; I take it and I always listen. I’m truly blessed.
“You see how many times I went down on my knees and gave praise to God, because it wouldn’t be possible without him. I put myself in this position but I’m nothing without him.
“Just shows how grateful I am. I just want to keep striving for more. The sky’s the limit, I’m only 19.”
Fury v Usyk on TNT Sports Box Office costs £24.99 in the UK and can be watched on discovery+, EE TV, Virgin Media TV and Prime Video.
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Fury and Usyk will meet in Riyadh on Saturday, May 18.
The ring walk for Fury v Usyk is expected to be around 23:00 UK time.
TNT Sports Box Office coverage will include Carl Frampton, David Haye and Steve Bunce with commentary from Darren Fletcher and Richie Woodall.
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