Moses Itauma: 'Boxing in Nigeria Is the End Goal'

Originally posted on Dice City Sports | By Robert LaMar | Last updated Oct 3, 2025 1:48 PM ET

Rising heavyweight star Moses Itauma says his career will not be complete until he fights in his father’s homeland of Nigeria. At just 20 years old, Itauma is already 13-0 (11 KOs) and widely regarded as one of the most exciting young heavyweights in the world. His meteoric rise reached new heights on August 16 in Riyadh, when he stopped former world title challenger Dillian Whyte in under two minutes at ANB Arena.

Now ranked No. 9 by The Ring, Itauma holds the WBA and WBO No.1 spots, sits No.4 with the WBC, and No.5 with the IBF placing him firmly in line for a world title shot. Before that, he’ll return to action on December 13 at Co-op Live Arena in Manchester, with opponents such as Michael Hunter and David Adeleye reportedly under consideration.

Great to have Moses Itauma, David Adeleye and Lawrence Okolie supporting the fight card in Nigeria yesterday. On Nigerian Independence Day.

First big card put on in Nigeria for YEARS. Hopefully more to come …SOON pic.twitter.com/148XzslqBr

— Ade Oladipo (@ade_oladipo1) October 2, 2025

Return to His Roots

Although born in Slovakia and raised in Chatham, Kent, Itauma’s father is Nigerian, and the heavyweight made his first trip back to Lagos in over 15 years this past weekend. Visiting as a guest of the Balmoral Promotions card headlined by Brandon Glanton’s win over Marcus Browne. He described the homecoming as deeply emotional.

“Of course I want to box here, that’s the end goal,” Itauma told DAZN. “When I look at people in Nigeria, I know these are my people the way they embrace me. It’s kind of hard to turn down people like that.”

Itauma recalled how even as he landed, fans recognized him and expressed pride in his success:

“Someone asked me off the plane about my belts and said they were proud of me. They said I’m Nigerian and doing well, so they’re proud of me. It’s my first time back for over 15 years… to see it through a man’s eyes is amazing.”

The Road Ahead

With Frank Warren guiding his career and a December headline fight looming. Itauma continues to build momentum toward a world championship. But no matter how high he climbs, he insists one goal stands above the rest bringing a major fight night to Nigeria.

If he does, Itauma would follow in the footsteps of heavyweight legends who boxed on African soil, from Muhammad Ali in Zaire to Anthony Joshua in Saudi Arabia, tying his career legacy to his roots.

This article first appeared on Dice City Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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