Mike Tyson Says He ‘Sees Himself’ in This 19-Year-Old KO Machine—and His Quest to Shatter Tyson’s Youngest Champ Record Just Got REAL

With explosive power, surgical precision, and ruthless aggression, 19-year-old British boxer Moses Itauma is blazing through the heavyweight division like a storm. Already drawing comparisons to a young Mike Tyson, Itauma isn’t just securing victories — he’s demolishing opponents, often in under a minute.

But it’s not just about knockouts. Moses Itauma has made it no secret: his goal is to break Tyson’s legendary record and become the youngest heavyweight world champion in boxing history. It’s an audacious pursuit — but if anyone has the talent, track record, and momentum to do it, it’s this young phenom.

So who exactly is Moses Itauma, and what makes him one of boxing’s most electrifying prospects? Let’s dive into the rise of a future star who just might change boxing history.

From Racism to Ring Glory: Moses Itauma’s Early Life

Born on December 28, 2004, in Slovakia, Itauma is the son of a Nigerian father and Slovakian mother. Sadly, his upbringing was marred by racial discrimination. In search of better opportunities and a safer environment, his family relocated to Chatham, Kent in England.

That move became pivotal. At age nine, inspired by flamboyant British boxing legend Prince Naseem Hamed, Itauma first laced up the gloves. From the beginning, his boxing IQ and composure stood out — even in the youth ranks.

“I think what separates me from the other boys is my ring intelligence,” Itauma once shared. His instincts in the ring would soon turn into astonishing dominance.

An Amateur Juggernaut With a Perfect Record

As an amateur, Itauma pieced together a flawless record of 24-0. Along the way, he collected gold medals at the European and World Youth Championships and won double national titles in the UK.

He became a standout in the super heavyweight youth category, often dismantling elite competition with superior timing, movement, and thunderous power. His meteoric rise didn’t go unnoticed— not just because of his skill, but because of his intimidating knockout streaks.

Turning Pro: An Immediate Storm

In January 2023, Moses Itauma signed with Frank Warren’s Queensberry Promotions. Just weeks later, he debuted professionally in London with a statement: a brutal 23-second knockout of Czech boxer Marcel Bode that sent instant shock waves across the division.

In that moment, the boxing world took notice — this wasn’t just a promising start. This was history knocking on the ring door.

The Knockout Machine: Early Fights that Showcased Pure Destruction

In his first five pro fights, Itauma displayed versatility and fury reminiscent of a young Tyson:

• Rammon Alberto Ibarra: Knocked out in 35 seconds.
• Kevin Nicholas Espendola: Itauma went the distance but maintained control throughout, gaining valuable rounds.
• Amin Bouzitte: Two knockdowns in the first round led to a stoppage. Classic Itauma brutality.

By this point, his record stood at 5-0, and the buzz from insiders was growing. Even veteran commentators compared his ring walk and early pressure to Iron Mike.

Learning to Go the Distance

Boxing legend Mike Tyson once said, “Everyone has a plan until they get punched in the mouth.” Itauma faced such a moment when he encountered Ukrainian veteran Konstantin Dovbyshchenko, known for his granite chin and durable style.

This fight pushed Itauma further than he’d gone before and showcased his tactical adaptability. Instead of brute force, he used ring generalship and smart combinations en route to a unanimous decision win.

This was the moment that quieted critics who claimed he couldn’t last if he didn’t get the early stoppage.

The Mounting Wins: Power, Technique & Growing Reputation

In his next string of fights, the young boxer returned to his destructive ways:

• Istvan Bernath (Hungary): Knocked out in Round 1 with a brutal uppercut.
• Michał Boloz (Poland): Dismantled within 60 seconds.
• Dan Garber: Another first-round TKO.

The combinations were rapid, the footwork sharp. In fight after fight, commentators praised both his hand speed and his ability to cut off the ring with surgical precision.

Tyson Fury, who sparred with Itauma twice in preparation for his own mega-fights, had this to say:

“He’s not just a guy with power — he’s got the mind of a fighter… I think he can be a champion.”

Breakthrough Title Win: WBO Intercontinental Belt

The defining moment came on May 18, 2024, when Moses Itauma faced experienced German Ilja Mezenev for the WBO Intercontinental Heavyweight title.

Itauma showcased the full arsenal — counters, combos, body shots, sharp jabs — finally dropping Mezenev in the second round with a vicious combination. The referee stepped in. Title secured. Statement made.

He followed that victory with a ferocious defense, destroying 44-year-old Polish veteran Mariusz Wach and then crushing Australian contender Demsey McKean in just one round.

Can He Break Tyson’s Historic Record?

Mike Tyson shattered records when he became the youngest heavyweight champion at 20 years and 4 months in 1986. Today, Itauma is 19 — with less than a year to break that record.

With an 11-0 record and 9 wins by knockout, Itauma appears on an accelerated path to contention. Experts believe that if his management can secure the right fights in the next 9 to 12 months, a title shot is within reach.

His team, led by Frank Warren, appears focused on a step-by-step approach. But they’re also aware that the window to break Tyson’s record is closing fast.

What Will It Take?

If Itauma is to seize a world title before he turns 21, timing and matchmaking will be everything. He’ll likely need:

1. A title eliminator or interim title bout by late 2024.
2. A shot at one of the four major belts (WBA, WBC, IBF, WBO) in early 2025.
3. Staying injury-free and maintaining his momentum.

Given the current unification landscape with Oleksandr Usyk and Tyson Fury, and young contenders like Jared Anderson rising too, the battlefield is fierce. But Itauma doesn’t just aim for participation — he’s hunting history.

The Future of the Heavyweight Division?

Power. Poise. Vision. Moses Itauma has the ingredients of a future great. He’s not trying to copy Mike Tyson, despite the comparisons. He’s aiming to surpass him.

“Pressure makes diamonds,” he said after an early KO win. And as the pressure mounts, Itauma is becoming more polished, more focused — and more dangerous.

Is he the future king of the heavyweight division? The record books will tell. But one thing is certain: Moses Itauma is not just another hype job. He’s a phenomenon ascending on a mission.

What Do You Think?

Can Itauma do it? Will he break Tyson’s record and become the youngest heavyweight world champion ever? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below — and keep an eye on Moses Itauma because history might just be one punch away.