The all-British clash in Saudi Arabia was billed as Itauma’s sternest test yet, but the 20-year-old made short work of Whyte, 37, dropping and stopping the former world-title challenger in the very first round.
From the first bell, Itauma’s highly touted speed was on display, not just in his strikes but in his footwork, as he effortlessly evaded the majority of Whyte’s jabs.
Then came a cross-shot to the body of the veteran, which set up a grazing left hook to the head – then another, and a right hook as Whyte stooped.
That led a concerned and hurt Whyte to retreat to the corner, where Itauma poured on more punches. Whyte tried to escape along the ropes but was soon put down by a right hand, which had the “Bodysnatcher” falling face-first to the canvas.
Whyte, to his credit, beat the referee’s count. However, just like in his failed world-title challenge against Tyson Fury in 2023, Whyte then stumbled, leading the referee to wave off the bout.
Whyte complained, yet the stoppage felt fair, with the older fighter clearly dazed.
Itauma then said he would “100 per cent” fight again this year, as he aims to extend his 13-0 (11 KOs) professional record, with many in attendance in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, shouting for a match-up against Oleksandr Usyk.
Thirty-eight-year-old Usyk, the undisputed heavyweight champion, will probably face another challenger, but fans now eagerly await Itauma’s next showing, with an in-form, elite opponent likely to be next for him.