Moses Itauma makes ‘greatness’ promise but refuses to ‘overlook’ Dillian Whyte

Moses Itauma has been destined for big things in the sport of boxing, but faces his toughest of his career so far on Saturday against Dillian Whyte

Moses Itauma admits Saturday night’s heavyweight dust-up is the start of ‘greatness’ – but is certainly not overlooking Dillian Whyte.

The pair are set to lock horns this weekend in what will no doubt be Itauma’s toughest fight as a professional yet. The 20-year-old has passed every test in the ring so far with flying colours, but is aware that he faces a big step up in terms competition in the shape of the ‘Body Snatcher.’

Throughout his top level career so far, Whyte has fought the likes of Anthony Joshua, Tyson Fury, Derek Chisora and Joseph Parker. That sort of experience could serve him well, particularly against a young man looking to make a name for himself. That said, at 37, there are a few within the boxing community that believe his best days are behind him.

With many tipping Itauma to be the heir to Oleksandr Usyk’s throne, it comes as no surprise to see the youngster confident in his ability. Both Usyk and former undisputed heavyweight champion Lennox Lewis have tipped the Chatham native to achieve great things in the sport. Itauma himself has vowed to achieve ‘greatness’ as he looks to dominate the sport for years to come.

READ MORE: Oleksandr Usyk finally responds after being ordered to fight Joseph ParkerREAD MORE: Moses Itauma’s trainer makes ‘dog fight’ admission ahead of Dillian Whyte fight

Speaking at the pre-fight press conference in Saudi Arabia on Thursday evening, Itauma was eager to give a final, chilling message to the world ahead of fight night. “I am blessed. Do you know what? I just had to take a picture of all you lovely people because I never thought that this many people would turn up to my fight, let alone a press conference. I am blessed to be here and I am grabbing this opportunity with both hands. This is the start of greatness,” he said.

Ahead of the upcoming dust-up, Itauma has advised fans not to blink as he promises to put on a real spectacle on Saturday night. With that being said, he refuses to overlook his upcoming foe. “We are all heavyweights here,” he said. “Any fight can end at any point. I am not delusional. I know what threat Dillian Whyte poses. I am not overlooking him. I am taking this man seriously.”

At just the age of 20, Itauma is already regarded one of the most feared boxers on the planet, and was left surprised when Whyte decided to accept the offer. “To be honest, for a long time, I did not think the fight was going happen. But we are here. We are live. We are ready. We have trained. We have been in camp for maybe fourteen weeks now. I am ready to just rock and roll to be honest.”

As for Whyte, despite admitting there is so much more left to achieve, the 37-year-old candidly opened up about his boxing journey ahead of his return to the ring. “I have had a few main events, a few pay-per-view fights. But do you know what? There is so much more left for me to achieve and chase in the game. I have not really sat back and looked at my career and think about this and think about that. I am someone that is not supposed to be here. I never had a great amateur career, no support. I am a kid from Jamaica who has been written off many times. I was meant to be dead in my twenties, but here I am!”

The ‘Body Snatcher’ has enjoyed a glittering career at the top level, but his trainer Buddy McGirt admits the heavyweight’s career could be over should he lose. Speaking on the official DAZN broadcast, the famous boxing trainer admitted: “If Dillian loses, it is over. If Moses loses, he can always come back. Then he (Whyte) becomes a journeyman which he does not really deserve. So we know this fight right here is all about nuts and guts. We have got to put it all on the line.”

When is Moses Itauma vs Dillian Whyte?

The ‘Esports World Cup Fight Week: Moses Itauma vs Dillian Whyte’ will take place on Saturday, August 16. The main undercard is due to get underway at around 5:45 pm UK time (12:45 pm ET / 9:45 am PT). The main event ringwalks will likely take place at around 10:20pm UK time (5:20 pm ET / 2:20 pm PT).

All of the action will be streamed live on DAZN Pay Per-View. The event is priced at £19.99 in the United Kingdom, $49.99 in the United States, €19.99 in Europe and $49.95 in Australia.