Itauma vs Whyte: Fight predictions and vote for Moses Itauma v Dillian Whyte outcome

Moses Itauma – widely tipped as the future of the heavyweight division – takes on Dillian Whyte this Saturday in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

The unbeaten 20-year-old from Chatham, Kent has stopped 10 of his 12 opponents to date but now faces the toughest test of his career.

Whyte, 37, has shared the ring with some of the sport’s biggest names, including Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury.

But with the ‘Body Snatcher’ struggling for momentum in recent years, is this the perfect step up at the perfect time for Itauma? Or will Whyte’s experience prove too much for the unproven heavyweight?

Saturday’s bout is not only a major test for Itauma – it could also be a breakout fight against a credible, battle-hardened name.

You can follow radio and live text commentary of the fight from 19:30 BST on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra, BBC Sounds and the BBC Sport website and app.

We asked the boxing world for their predictions, and here they are:

If Whyte can get past the first four rounds then it’s a fight, and it’s anyone’s fight. But I’m picking Itauma to win. He’s a southpaw and youth, speed, power and activity are all on his side.

Prediction – Itauma

This is the fight we get to find out the things we don’t know about Itauma. How good is his chin? What does he do when he’s in the trenches? But I don’t know if Dillian will get the opportunity to do that. With his inactivity, age and the quickness of Itauma’s feet, it’s a nightmare match-up for Whyte.

I think it’s the perfect piece of matchmaking.

Prediction – Itauma

Itauma will win by KO.

Prediction – Itauma

I think Itauma wins the fight, but I think he will be stretched and he will go past the sixth round for the first time.

Maybe he’ll stop him later in the contest, probably in the eighth or ninth round. It all depends how much is left of Whyte.

Prediction – Itauma

I don’t think it’s a nice one for Whyte at this stage of his career. Inactivity, age, wear and tear and sporadic performances over the last few years – I think everything is stacked against him.

Then you look at Itauma – he’s sharp, can be tricky to land on, can counter from different angles. The speed and athleticism is the worst kind of opponent for Dillian in this position.

Without being disrespectful to Dillian, who’s a warrior and will give it everything he’s got, I can see him – at this stage of his career – being a name on Itauma’s record.

Prediction – Itauma

You have to give Whyte credit for taking it. He’s getting well paid but there would have been other big-money fights out there for him.

But I think the timing is perfect. I’ve been singing Itauma’s praises since he was an amateur. At this point in Whyte’s career, Itauma is all wrong for him and I think it will be over in four rounds. It could be even earlier.

Prediction – Itauma

This is a big step up for Itauma. He’s not boxed anyone near this level. It’s the fight we wanted to see him in.

This is not the Whyte of old, but Whyte knows how to drag you into deep waters, fight under pressure and commit to every shot. Itauma hasn’t dealt with that yet – and that’s what makes it so exciting.

But I do think Itauma wins by stoppage. Does he have to work for it? Maybe, but he’ll win most of the rounds and most of the moments in those rounds.

He’ll have to think more than he has before, but from the halfway mark, Dillian will be swinging and taking shots he can’t see coming. He either drops to his knees, the referee saves him, or the corner throws in the towel.

This is the fight that will genuinely propel Itauma into the conversation for world honours.

Prediction – Itauma

It can go either way. People who think Itauma is going to blast him out of there are going to be in for a shock.

Prediction – sitting on the fence

I think Itauma is just far too fresh, too skilful and too quick – and a man on a mission right now. Timing is all wrong for Whyte.

We’ll see the youthfulness shine through. I think he’ll be a step ahead in every department and gets the job done in the second half of the fight.

Prediction – Itauma

I think it will be a good fight but I lean towards Itauma, who is so talented and riding some good momentum. I can see him winning by knockout or boxing to a points decision.

Although, I do feel Whyte has a good opportunity – it only takes one shot in this division. And he does look in good shape.

Prediction – Itauma

Itauma to win. His boxing ability and his power will be too much. I predict a KO victory in less than five rounds.

Prediction – Itauma