Moses Itauma is an unwilling star in boxing – soon, he will have to embrace it.
Film icons Pierce Brosnan and Tom Hiddleston, along with rapper Skepta, were present at the event.
Fellow boxer Conor Benn attended, dressed sharply alongside his father, the renowned fighter Nigel, just days after his headline victory over Chris Eubank Jr. at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in their rematch.
However, as heavyweight hopeful Moses Itauma navigated the glamour and flashing cameras at the British GQ Man of the Year awards in London last November, his thoughts were elsewhere.
At just 21, Itauma (13-0, 11 KOs) is widely regarded as a future star. It would not be surprising if he captures a world title within the next 18 months. Yet, while many of his peers are out enjoying themselves, perhaps even searching for their identity, Itauma, ESPN’s young fighter of the year for 2025, maintains a singular focus.
Itβs not that he doesnβt appreciate life outside of boxing, but constantly, there is one thing occupying his mind.
“I know that boxing is my No. 1,” Itauma tells reporters.
“When I was at these parties and such … Of course, it’s enjoyable to be around new faces, but I just had the thought of: ‘I need to return to the gym.’
THAT SENTIMENT WILL be pleasing to coach Ben Davison, although perhaps not to promoter Frank Warren. Itauma has witnessed firsthand the consequences of poor choices for aspiring champions and those his age. The red carpets, late nights that extend into early mornings, even conversing with James Bond himself … That can wait.
“It affected many of my friends. A lot of them had potential but got caught up in the party scene,” Itauma reflects.
“Even if you ask my amateur coaches, they all said I wasn’t the most gifted boxer … I didn’t have the hardest punch, I wasn’t the best, but I maintained the consistency to persevere.
“Everyone else went to parties.”
Now, as one of the most promising talents in the sport, the invitations are pouring in, but Itauma is quick to keep himself grounded. He possesses a mature perspective for someone his age. The achievements and recognition he has received have made him aware, before itβs too late, of what some individuals never realize.
He remains resolute in his commitment to boxing and life, determined to forge his own path.
“I started to understand that my family became more significant … And those who weren’t as important gradually faded away,” he explains.
“Everyone’s like: ‘Oh, you’ve changed.’ I’m meant to; my entire life has transformed. You’re not supposed to remain a caterpillar.”
Nonetheless, significant changes are on the horizon. There are hopes that his upcoming bout against American Jermaine Franklin Jr. on March 28 in Manchester will serve as a genuine test for the prospect, considering Itauma has only surpassed the second round twice in his professional career.
He dispatched Dillian Whyte in Round 1 last August, but injuries and the complexities of boxingβspecifically finding opponents willing to face himβhave impeded his advancement. Promoter Warren, who believes he has another champion in the making, is eager to see Itauma challenged against Franklin before pursuing larger fights later this year.
“No amateur experience as a senior and [Itauma’s] done remarkably well,” Warren stated. “He’s now facing a seasoned competitor in Jermaine. Two losses on his record against a very skilled Dillian Whyte and [Anthony Joshua].
“He went the distance with [Joshua]. Can Moses achieve what they couldn’t? Jermaine is eager for this opportunity, which is why he’s here. This is a pivotal moment for young Moses in his career, but I have faith in him.”
FOR FRANKLIN, IT’S another chance he believed had slipped away. On the Canelo Alvarez vs. Terence Crawford undercard in September, his victory over Ivan Dychko brought him back into the limelight after several uncertain years.
At one point, he filed for bankruptcy and had to work full-time outside of boxing to support his family. He did not compete in 2020 or 2021 prior to losses to Whyte and Joshua in 2022 and 2023 respectively, forcing him to climb the ranks once again.
He admits he was nearly brought to tears during his last ring walk at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas. Now, he takes nothing for granted.
“I was raised in Christianity, so I understand that many of us have different journeys,” Franklin remarks.
“So my path may not mirror someone else’s. I try not to dwell on it too much or allow myself to feel jealous or frustrated because I might take a longer route, but I still made it here.”
Given everything he has endured, Franklin expresses that it is a dream realized to be back headlining another event in the UK.
“This could have been on the undercard. I would have still been just as pleased.”
Grateful to be present, but Franklin will be eager for a victory against Itauma on March 28. However, he will face Itauma, a reluctant superstar who may have no choice but to embrace the spotlight if the KOs continue to accumulate.
