WBN PREVIEW | The tension between Moses Itauma and Dillian Whyte has taken a new turn after an intense build-up to Saturday night’s clash in Riyadh.
With three belts on the line – the WBO Intercontinental, WBA International, and Commonwealth heavyweight titles, it is a fight that promises only two possible outcomes.
As Whyte gains reactions from Itauma and his promoter, Frank Warren, while doing interviews, it’s obvious the tactics have worked.
‘The Body Snatcher’ and not the ‘Baby Snatcher’ as Whyte once got billed this week, has come into the fight in the best shape of his life. Itauma, who has had an easy ride so far in his career, might be tested beyond his current limits on fight night, similarly to when Daniel Dubois (also touted as the new Mike Tyson) was against Joe Joyce.
Itauma, who weighed one pound heavier than Whyte at 245.5 lbs, insists he has prepared for the moment.
“I’ve been in training for twelve weeks. Twelve tough weeks. And honestly, for the last three to four weeks, I’ve been saying to Ben (Davison), ‘I just want to get to the easy bit’. That’s the fight game. That’s the fight.”
A Psychological Edge
The 20-year-old phenom showed respect for Whyte’s conditioning, but his staredown analysis revealed the edge of danger.
“Although we’re two fighters, I’ve got the utmost respect for Dillian. This is nothing personal. It’s business. What did I see when I looked into his eyes? A wounded animal.”
On how the fight will unfold, Itauma gave a blunt answer: “Moses Itauma victory. I’m not looking for it. I’m going to stick to the game plan and whatever happens, happens.”
That ‘wounded animal’ phrase is key for Whyte, who scaled a trim 244.5 lbs, his lightest for ten years. The Londoner arrives seeking a rankings boost and one more run at the world heavyweight title.
“I’ve been training. By the grace of God, things have worked out. Training has gone good. That’s it.”
Pressed on the press conference face-off, Whyte revealed a psychological edge. “Nothing. He was just saying some stuff, and I was like, ‘bro, relax, we’re going to fight in a couple of days. Take it easy, man, just chill out.”
Itauma’s Nerves
To Whyte, Itauma’s nerves were there for all to see.
“I don’t pay much attention to all that. I’m a chill guy until people mess around with me. For me, I don’t need to be a bully or go around crazy.
“I can switch just like that, so I’m like, ‘relax, man. Bro, take it easy. Relax, man. Me and you don’t have beef. It’s just business. Chill out.”
With Itauma hanging on to Whyte’s every word and dismissing his composure as false bravado, the fight threatens to swing dramatically one of two ways.
Either the youngster stamps his mark as the new force in heavyweight boxing, or the veteran finds one more career-defining upset under the bright lights.
The only problem for Whyte is that he might have wound Itauma too tight, and if the youngster is the real deal, as professed, he could be in for a world of hurt.
Don’t blink.
WBN will provide live coverage tonight on the website with a scorecard and results from Saudi Arabia.
Ring Walk Times and the full undercard are available now at worldboxingnews.com.
About the Author
Phil Jay is a veteran boxing journalist with over 15 years of experience covering the global fight scene. As Editor-in-Chief of World Boxing News since 2010, Jay has interviewed dozens of world champions and reported ringside on boxing’s biggest nights. [View all articles by Phil Jay] and learn more about his work in combat sports journalism.