Moses Itauma v Dillian Whyte recap - Itauma knocks out opponent with huge knockout in first round of heavyweight bout
/origin-imgresizer.tntsports.io/2024/09/16/image-70e52184-1d6b-4d9c-a172-9a13d4a3a1d9-68-310-310.jpeg)
Updated 17/08/2025 at 00:29 GMT+1
Follow TNT Sports' live updates as undefeated Moses Itauma looks to continue his meteoric rise in the biggest fight of his career against former WBC interim champion Dillian Whyte. Whyte has struggled since losing to Tyson Fury in 2022 but weighed in for the fight in his best shape in years now aged 37, while 20-year-old Itauma hopes to take the next step in his prodigious boxing career.
Highlights: Ball defends WBA crown via Doheny stoppage amid kicking controversy
Video credit: TNT Sports
Itauma makes a statement
Moses Itauma is the most exciting heavyweight prospect in 25 years.
As impressive as Anthony Joshua's rise to the zenith in the division, he was not taking out fighters in this manner.
Not since Vitali Klitschko was blitzing all opponents early as he rose to the top level has there been a heavyweight looking so destructive.
You could pick holes in the opponent here. Whyte dropped 17lbs from his last contest and as fighters grow older, it rarely works to drop such a big amount - as good as he looked at the weigh in - and it appeared the Bodysnatcher had no resistance at all when Itauma landed.
Immediately, Whyte fell short with his jab and Itauma smartly landed his southpaw jab and then increasingly added body shots with his left hand. When he moved upstairs, he immediately hurt Whyte with a left hook and his opponent sagged back into the ropes.
Itauma looks rushed but neither does a hurt opponent ever look like being able to survive his cerebral onslaught. Mixing up hooks and uppercuts with either hand, back down to the body and then back to the head, it was only a matter of when Whyte would go and it was a right hook which ultimately put him down for a count.
The finish was reminiscent of those from George Foreman when he was dispatching the likes of Joe Frazier and Ken Norton in the early 1970s. No, the opponents are not of that quality yet, but it is impossible not to be excited by this phenomenal prospect.
Whoever he fights next, with Filip Hrgovic a possibility after his win over David Adeleye on the undercard, he will go into the contest a big favourite and the contest against Oleksandr Usyk when it happens will be the most eagerly awaited over the next 12 months.
On the undercard, Nick Ball defended his WBA crown with a difficult points victory over Sam Woodman, who gave the Liverpudlian a number of problems through the contest.
Ball upping his performance in the championship rounds ensured victory would be his, although two of the judges gave him victory by wide margins (117-111 and 118-110), while the third had it a more realistic 115-113.
Itauma: I'll win world title in 2026
"I'd like to say a thank you to the Bodysnatcher Dillian Whyte, thank you for giving me this opportunity to showcase my skills," Itauma said.
"To be honest, what Ben was telling me what to do, for the first minute I saw what he was telling me to do and then I put it together.
"What's next? Honestly, I'll fight anyone who they put in front of me.
"A few people saying Usyk. If I'm being completely honest, Joseph Parker and Agit Kabayel deserve their shot, but I'd love that.
"I'm only 20 years old, there are a lot of years of this face. If I get the opportunity 100%, I'll win [a world title in 2026]."
Itauma improves his record to 13-0
And this was his 11th stoppage victory.
Itauma stops Whyte in Round 1!
Itauma immediately landed his right jab and followed up with left hands first to the body and then crashing ones upstairs. With Whyte's legs wobbly, an overhand right sent Whyte crashing to the canvas and as he got up with wobbly legs the referee called things off.
Let's get ready to rumble...
The action is moments away.
On his way now...
With AC/DC ringing out, Whyte walks into the arena,
Whyte makes Itauma wait...
Itauma is in the ring, but Whyte is still in the dressing room. A few mind games from the veteran South Londoner.
Itauma comes in a big favourite
Whyte is bigger than 6/1 to pull off the upset. It seems a little disrespectful, but it is not that tempting a price.
Michael Buffer is in the ring...
And the fighters will shortly enter the arena.
What happens if Whyte lands his left hook?
This is the intriguing question. Itauma lands his southpaw lead right superbly to set up his dynamite left, but if the veteran counters flush with a left hand - which downed the likes of Povetkin - it is intriguing to see how the young fighter will take it.
The big fight is next...
Outside of Usyk fights, this might be one of the most eagerly-awaited heavyweight contests of the year. Moses Itauma has looked so impressive, but if he can put on as good a show against Dillian Whyte it will mean that much more.
Ball wins unanimous decision
Ball wins on two wide verdicts 117-111 and 118-110, plus a more respectable 115-113 score.
Ball-Goodman: Round 12
Ball's relentless powerful bursts in close likely tilted the fight in his favour in the championship rounds. Although blood trickled from next to his right eye from Goodman's left hand, Ball's uppercuts and hooks just got him the last, despite an impressive late burst from the Aussie. A cracking bout which we may well see again.
Ball-Goodman: Round 11
Goodman back moving but Ball catches up to him with powerful rights to the body and blocks a lot of Goodman's shots which seem easier to read now. In close Ball gets the better of things as well with his left hook, left uppercut combinations.
Ball-Goodman: Round 10
Good jabs early from Ball and as they both dig to the body, his shots had the most power. He upped his workrate adding a flurry of uppercuts and body shots. Goodman's feet not as slick in this round as Ball landed consistently and comfortably took the round.
Ball-Goodman: Round 9
Ball is warned for holding the back of Goodman's head as he landed an uppercut. Good shots from Goodman forcing Ball back against the reopes momentarily. It feels like a round for the Aussie as he consistently made the Brit miss while landing counter shots. Ball landed a good right in the closing seconds but probably too little, too late.
Ball-Goodman: Round 8
Good boxing from Ball in this round. Landing his jab more and backing it up with his corkscrew left uppercut, also connecting with his right hand. Goodman landed a couple of good straight shots in the last thirty seconds. Ball's round for me.
Ball-Goodman: Round 7
Goodman making Ball overreach at times and lands a very good counter right hand, maybe his best punch of the night and though the Scouser lands a couple of good right hands, he probably loses the round.
Ball-Goodman: Round 6
A tight round again but the edge is likely to go to Ball as his shots are the more eye catching and his left uppercut in particular landing on a number of occasions.
Ball-Goodman: Round 5
A left uppercut and chopping right hand hurt Goodman and his legs visibly dip as he sags back to the ropes. To his credit he is soon back to his boxing but Ball is landing more at this stage.
Ball-Goodman: Round 4
A good round. Ball landing a big left hook early and hard right late on, but inbetween there was a lot of good work from Goodman too. Another close one to call.
Ball-Goodman: Round 3
Good work early from Goodman with wild left hooks from Ball missing their mark. A right hand from Ball does send Goodman's mouthguard out early though. It is the right hand which looks more effective for Ball so far. Goodman also lands good jabs and body shots while circling Ball. Goodman's round there.
Ball-Goodman: Round 2
Ball has some swelling under his right eye from head clashes and Goodman does better moving in and out of range. A close round to call.
Ball-Goodman: Round 1
All Ball in the opening round, feeliing out with the jab and then launching into left hooks and right hands. Andy Lee said before the bout Goodman holds his head high in the air and it is already evident. Goodman is looking to throw but his shots are mainly blocked by Ball. At the moment there looks a class disparity.
Ball defends world title next...
The Liverpudlian Nick Ball (22-0-1, 12 KOs) puts his WBA featherweight title on the line against unbeaten Aussie Sam Goodman (20-0, 8 KOs)
Tsutaumi stops Ashfaq in Round 3
Every shot from Tsutaumi receives hurrahs from his corner and body shots followed by hooks upstairs twice see him put Ashfaq to the canvas. After another flurry from Tsutaumi and though Ashfaq complained, and did throw a shot as he the referee stepped in, the fight was only going to end in one way.
Tsutaumi-Ashfaq: Round 2
The pressure is pretty relentless from Tsutaumi. Ashfaq lands a couple of nice combinations and puts in a competitive performance, but is being made to work very hard and on the bell a right upstairs then brutal liver shot puts the Yorkshireman down briefly.
Tsutaumi-Ashfaq: Round 1
The Japanese fighter walking down the Brit and landing the more telling shots and though Ashfaq shows glimpses of his talent he doesn't look to have the power to keep him off - classy as his boxing is.
Japanese star Tsutaumi up next
Tipped for big things, you would expect Hayato Tsutaumi (7-0, 4 KOs) to have too much for Leeds' Quais Ashfaq (13-3-1, 5 KOs) in this super featherweight contest.
Hrgovic wins on points
He takes the fight 98-91, 99-90 on the judges' scorecards.
Great experience for Adeleye though, he should be the better for it.
Hrgovic-Adelaye: Round 10
A lot of holding in the final round as both fighters looked exhausted, with Hrgovc looking to squeeze the space to deny Adeleye the space to land his left hook. Hrgovic landed a short left hand and right uppercut which hurt Adeleye. A fine spectacle overall in the end.
Hrgovic-Adeleye: Round 9
Hrgovic teeing off on Adeleye against the ropes early on, landing a good right hand and follow up left hook, while avoiding the big counter from the Brit. A slower round unsurprisingly after the previous wild one. Expect Adeleye to come out firing in the final three minutes.
Hrgovic-Adeleye: Round 8
One of the rounds of the year! A right hand wobbled Adeleye early in the round and though the Brit roared out and grit his teeth he was then put down with a right hand. However, Adeleye landed a big left hook of his own as Hrgovic came in to finish things off and it took some time for the Croatian's legs to look more steady. Two more big left hooks saw Hrgovic looking to hold in close and then Adeleye launched an amazing cavalcade of huge hooks with either hand but somehow Hrgovic stays on his feet. Hrgovic then ended the round landing big shots to body and head.
Hrgovic-Adeleye: Round 7
Adeleye lands a big shot after being told he can't win on points by his corner but he cannot sustain his work. Hrgovic is happy to lean on Adelaye who looks a little more tired and, although his input is down, he did more than enough to take the round.
Hrgovic-Adeleye: Round 6
Hrgovic is so good with his body shots, landing brutal right hooks downstairs whenever Adelaye's left hand rises too high. Adelaye shows occasional signs and is taking the shots well, but not doing enough to take any of the rounds.
Hrgovic-Adeleye: Round 5
Hrgovic is putting on a fine performance, dominating his opponent who is too passive on the back foot. He has shown a very good chin though. In the final seconds Adelays shows some purpose walking through Hrgovic and landing a couple of shots. Adam Booth implored him to do more before the round and will want his charge to do this earlier on in round six.
Hrgovic-Adeleye: Round 4
Again Hrgovic dominated the round, for most of it there wasn't too much in the shots but in the closing thirty seconds he got through with a few stinging efforts which forced Adelaye back aagainst the ropes.
Hrgovic-Adeleye: Round 3
Hrgovic backs Adeleye up but he shows some good defensive skills, evading the big shots. The Croatian is had the better of things until the last moments when Adeleye landed a huge left hook, right on the cut, which wobbled his opponent. It may be a waiting game for Adelaye, as it is far from clear Hrgovic can last the distance with he cut.
Hrgovic-Adeleye: Round 2
Adelaye with a fine one-two in the opening moments, with a crashing right hand landing with Hrgovic's back on the ropes. Hrgovic walked down Adeleye into the corner, but a jab from Adeleye sliced open a cut above Hrgovic's eye. Knowing he might not be able to last long, Hrgovic lands big left hook, right hand combination and looks to pound Adelaye on the ropes. Adeleye seemed relaxed to wait for a counter and landed a couple of good shots himself.
Will they be able to work on that awful cut on the eyelid though?
Hrgovic-Adeleye: Round 1
Adelaye began with a purpose pushing Hrgovic back but the Croatian took control with his jab for most of the round, but Adeleye had some success with a countering right hand.
Hrgovic-Adeleye next
An interesting fight this, with David Adeleye (14-1, 13 KOs) being under the tutelage of Adam Booth now giving a little bit more intrigue. The WBO international haveyweight title is on the line. Adelaye has relinquished the British title to fight for this.
Filip Hrgovic (18-1, 14 KOs) beat Joe Joyce last time out.
Ford wins on points
Ford takes the contest 97-93 (twice) and 96-94 on the judges' scorecards.
Ford-Nova: Round 10
Nova looked ot close in on Ford for most of the round with the American just really looking to see the final bell. Nova landed a couple of good right hands to head and body but didn't look like getting Ford out of there which he probably needed to do.
Ford-Nova: Round 9
Ford as expected came out with a purpose and landed good one-twos and straight left hands, then waiting for counters while letting Nova come forward.
Ford-Nova: Round 8
Nova does well early on, pressuring Ford and landing in close. With Ford maybe taking a round off, Nova landed a nice right and combination in close in the final minute.
Ford-Nova: Round 7
Nova comes out and looks to lean on Ford, but does not land a great deal. While there was not a plethora of shots from Ford, they were eye catching and enough to take the round.
Ford-Nova: Round 6
Ford shakes Nova with a left hook in the last minute stiffens Nova's legs. After the competitive beginning it feels the American is really taking control of the bout now, as his opponent's defence is increasingly breached.
Ford-Nova: Round 5
Ford is the aggressor for more of the rounds now, as opposed to earlier in the contest, with the pace of the contest maybe slowing Nova who, though he landed the best punch of the round - a right hand with Ford on the ropes in the final moments - did not do enough to take it.
Ford-Nova: Round 4
They take turns in taking control in rounds. Ford with more production, landing left hooks and left hands, plus uppercuts in close, but Nova also got through with right hands and body shots to keep his opponent honest.
Ford-Nova: Round 3
Nova getting success with his left hook to body and head, also landing a nice left uppercut, making Ford look less confident. The American walks down Nova at the end of the round but the better shots came from the underdog in this round.
Ford-Nova: Round 2
It is an intriguing fight. Ford is moving backwards mostly, then stinging Nova with right hands and southpaw lefts to head and body. He mostly smothers the work of Nova when he is pushed against the ropes, but the Puerto Rico-born fighter is landing some good shots in close too.
Ford-Nova: Round 1
Ford in control for most of the round with his silky southpaw jab, but in the closing stages Nova had some success, landing a couple of right hands off the back of his own jab.
Former featherweight champ Ford up next...
Raymond Ford (17-1, KOs) of the USAÂ takes on the Dominican Republic's Abraham 'Super' Nova (24-3-1, 17 KOs).
Alakel stops Singh in Round 1
Alakel hurts his opponent early with a left to the body, then tees off with his precise jab, looking to follow up with a right hand. Consecutive hooking right hands put Singh down with 50 seconds to go in the round and - complaining that the second shot hit him behind the head - he never looked like beating the count.
Alakel moves to 5-0, this being his first stoppage win.
Home favourite up first
As always on these occasions, Saudi Arabia's Mohammed Alakel is up early on, he takes on India's Yumnan Santosh Singh.
The undercard...
- Nick Ball vs Sam Goodman (WBA featherweight title)
- Hayato Tsutaumi vs Quais Ashfaq (featherweight)
- Raymond Ford W10 Abraham Nova (super featherweight)
- Filip Hrgovic W10 David Adeleye (heavyweight)
- Mohammed Alakel KO1 Yumnam Santosh Singh (lightweight)
Itauma a huge betting favourite
There is no value on betting the 20-year-old phenom, with 1/7 the best you can get on him winning the fight, with 1/4 on him stopping his opponent.
Whyte looking trim at weigh-in
Dillian Whyte comes in at 17lbs lighter than he did against Ebeneezer Tetteh eight months ago. There can be no suggestion he has just come here for the payday.
Hello and welcome...
Thanks for joining our coverage of what should be a fantastic night of boxing from Saudi Arabia, culminating in Moses Itauma's elevation to the big leagues as he faces former world title contender, Dillian Whyte.
Stream fight sports live on TNT Sports and discovery+
Related Topics
Thoughts?
Advertisement
Advertisement