GLASGOW, Scotland — British-Nigerian heavyweight Moses Itauma maintain im unbeaten record for Saturday night as he demolish American Mike Balogun with brutal second-round knockout. Dis victory improve Itauma’s record to 12-0, marking him as one of di rising stars in heavyweight boxing.
Di 20-year-old boxer from Chatham no waste time for dis fight. E drop Balogun twice for di first round with powerful left hooks before finishing di job with clean right hook early for di second round. Di referee no even count as Balogun fall down for di third time.
After di fight, fans and boxing pundits dey demand make Itauma face tougher opponents, with Congolese-born Scot Martin Bakole as top choice. However, Itauma and im team don rule out that possibility for now.
Promoter Frank Warren dismiss di idea of a match-up with Bakole happening anytime soon. Speaking to Queensberry Promotions, Warren state say, “Bakole’s got to be able to get himself in shape. Di state of him, not happening,” brushing aside di suggestions of Bakole being next for di rising star.
Bakole, who dey watch di fight ringside, no deny Itauma’s talent but advise against any immediate clash. “Moses has got a beautiful career ahead. I want him to build it properly,” Bakole comment. “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, dis victory no be just about di fight, but also about making a statement after five months. E feel frustrated as several high-profile boxers sideline am, leaving am without a fight. Di knockout of Balogun, who be former NFL linebacker, make it di tenth stoppage in twelve professional fights for Itauma. “I appreciate Mike Balogun. He’s one tough cookie,” Itauma say after di match. “I couldn’t believe he got up from di second knockdown. Thanks to him for taking di fight because nobody else would.”
While im team dey eye longer fights for am, Itauma dey eager to test him skills against di big names in di division. “My team wants to see me in a 10-rounder, and den I want in with di big dogs,” he add.
Warren confirm di plans for Itauma’s next match on July 19 during di Oleksandr Usyk vs. Daniel Dubois rematch for Wembley. He reiterate di commitment to find opponents dat go provide meaningful rounds for Itauma’s growth. “Dis guy is going from strength to strength,” Warren say. “We’ll pick some guys who’ll take him some rounds. If he carries on dis trajectory, we’ve got a global star on our hands.”
Born to a Nigerian father and Slovakian mother, Itauma’s rising profile don catch attention from fans in both naija and Slovakia. His Nigerian heritage make plenty boxing followers dey excited, hoping to see am become heavyweight champion like Anthony Joshua in di global scene.
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