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Moses Itauma vs Dillian Whyte: Preview, Prediction & Betting Odds

Originally posted on Fights Around The World
By Adam Noble-Forcey | Last updated Aug 15, 2025 10:35 PM ET

Moses Itauma is the latest British heavyweight hope. The fans and media (to a large extent) in the UK have heaped the faith behind the 12-0 (10 KOs) southpaw prodigy from the outskirts of London. His promoter, Frank Warren, had suggested taking a stab at breaking Mike Tyson’s record as the youngest ever heavyweight boxing world champion. The moment has passed to break the record with Dillian Whyte (31-3, 21 KOs) coming out of the darkness to give Itauma his biggest test to date. Itauma collides with a man 17 years his senior, who was ranked as the WBC number 1 until being defeated by Tyson Fury over three years ago for the heavyweight world title.

All week, the term ‘Frank Warren rarely gets his matchmaking wrong’ has rung across the media as Itauma’s first headliner approaches in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. However, when you delve deeper into the all British starlet’s resume, it can make the jump up in opponent selection seem a little preemptive. Reviewing Itauma’s ascendance, it’s hard to see a name that really stands out when comparing to the level he will fight at tomorrow night. The predictable 41-year-old Mike Balogun succumbed to a second-round stoppage in Itauma’s last contest in May.

Australian southpaw Demsey McKean offered little resistance on the undercard of Oleksandr Usyk-Tyson Fury 2, not making it past the first round.On paper, it serves as his greatest victory in what was an impressive knockout. However, McKean had fought nobody of any real note until he clashed with Filip Hrgovic in his previous fight, losing by a 12th-round stoppage. Prior to Itauma’s biggest conquest, he faced an over-the-hill Mariusz Wach (38-10 at the time), but he would make quick work of the Pole inside two rounds. Ahead of that, Itauma’s record offers little. It could be a case of too-quick, too-soon for the 20-year-old. He’s not gone past two rounds since his fourth professional fight in a six rounder.

A lot of questions are difficult to answer. What happens when we pass six rounds? How has he dealt with the media spotlight? How has he dealt with a confident Whyte during fight week making threats? Mentality will be proven tomorrow in the Saudi capital. The biggest question on assessing Itauma’s future Saturday night is: How mentally strong is he at such a young age?

Whyte’s credentials have been largely overlooked ahead of the 37-year-old reemerging into the mainstream following an active yet undercover 2024 with stoppage wins over Christian Hammer and Ebenezer Tetteh. The two less-than-appetising opponents followed a failed drug test ahead of a contest with Anthony Joshua, causing a 14-month break from the ring. Ahead of a grudge rematch falling through with his London rival, Whyte claimed the majority decision victory over the undefeated Jermaine Franklin Jr. However, that victory was two years and nine months ago. The run that saw The Body Snatcher defeat Joseph Parker, Oscar Rivas, and Dereck Chisora twice is long behind him. His stoppage defeats against Alexander Povetkin and Tyson Fury, mixed with the inactivity, have a near clean-sweep for an Itauma knockout.

The Weigh-In

Both came in light for the heavyweight clash. Whyte came onto the scales at his lowest weight in ten years at 244.1 pounds. Itauma weighed 20 pounds lighter than he did in his last fight against Balogun. They both appear to have had great camps and look ready for action. Their weights both suggest they are considering the full ten rounds.

Moses Itauma vs. Dillian Whyte Prediction

My opinion on Itauma is very high, but alarm bells ring on the jump in caliber of opponents. I think Whyte has something left to give to the heavyweight division. The fact that he took the fight spells confidence. I believe Itauma does have the skills to get to the top, but it’s impossible to know how far he’s progressed with his small amount of ring time. I think the young Itauma takes the victory, but problems will arise, maybe even some controversy on the scorecards. He’ll be made to work for it and won’t stop Whyte early, if at all—final prediction – Itauma controversial split-decision.