Rising British-Nigerian heavyweight Moses Itauma continued his unbeaten streak in devastating fashion on Saturday night, delivering a brutal second-round knockout of American Mike Balogun in Glasgow to improve his record to 12-0, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.
The 20-year-old southpaw from Chatham wasted no time stamping his authority on the contest, dropping Balogun twice in the first round with ferocious left hands before finishing the job with a clean lead right hook early in the second.
The referee waved the bout off without a count as Balogun hit the canvas for the third time.
Despite calls from fans and pundits for a significant step-up in opposition, including a mooted clash with Congolese-born Scot Martin Bakole, Itauma and his team have ruled out that option for now.
Promoter Frank Warren dismissed any notion of the highly-anticipated showdown with Bakole happening soon.
Speaking to Queensberry Promotions, Warren said Bakole, who suffered a first-round stoppage defeat against Joseph Parker in February, is not currently in the right condition to face a talent like Itauma.
“Bakole’s got to be able to get himself in shape. The state of him, not happening,” Warren stated firmly, brushing aside suggestions that the 31-year-old could be next in line for the Chatham puncher.
Bakole, who was ringside in Glasgow, acknowledged Itauma’s potential but cautioned against any immediate match-up between them. He said the young Briton has a bright future and should be allowed to continue developing.
“Moses has got a beautiful career ahead. I want him to build it properly,” Bakole remarked. “If he picks me now, it would be a big mistake. He’s playing with fire. But if he thinks he’s ready, I am open to it.”
For Itauma, Saturday’s victory was a statement of intent after a frustrating five-month spell out of the ring, during which he claims to have been overlooked by several higher-profile names.
The knockout of Balogun, a former NFL linebacker turned boxer, was his tenth stoppage in twelve professional bouts.
“I appreciate Mike Balogun. He is one tough cookie,” Itauma said post-fight. “I couldn’t believe he got up from the second knockdown. Thanks to him for taking the fight because nobody else would.”
While his handlers are keen to stretch him into longer bouts, Itauma is eager to test himself further, saying his ambition is to start mixing with the division’s elite.
“My team wants to see me in a 10-rounder, and then I want in with the big dogs,” he said.
Warren also confirmed plans for Itauma next bout on July 19 on the Oleksandr Usyk vs Daniel Dubois rematch at Wembley and reiterated the team’s intention to find opponents who will give the 20-year-old meaningful rounds.
“This guy is going from strength to strength,” Warren said. “We’ll pick some guys who’ll take him some rounds. If he carries on this trajectory, we’ve got a global star on our hands.”
Born to a Nigerian father and Slovakian mother, Itauma’s growing reputation has attracted considerable interest from fans in both countries. His Nigerian heritage, in particular, has sparked excitement among local boxing followers hoping to see him emerge as a heavyweight force on the global stage, much like Anthony Joshua before him.
