Updated 25 May 2025, 09:00 BST
Did Moses Itauma win and when is he fighting next?
Yes – the 20-year-old southpaw stopped Mike Balogun in just 46 seconds of round two. As suggested in the preview article, Itauma was way too quick for the 40yr old American. Promoter Frank Warren plans to bring him back on July 19th on the Wembley Stadium card, with a top-15 heavyweight in the opposite corner.
How the fight finished : Moses Itauma by 2nd round knockout.
Itauma thundered a cuffing left to floor 41-year-old Balogun in the opening round, then produced two right-hook knockdowns early in the second. Referee John Latham waved it off after the third trip to the canvas at 0:46, sealing Itauma’s twelfth win and tenth stoppage.
Pundits compared Itauma’s foot-speed to a young Muhammad Ali and UFC heavyweight Tom Aspinall, praising his fluid movement for a 6 ft 6 in, 254-lb fighter.
Main Event & Undercard results
- Josh Taylor vs Ekow Essuman (Main Event) – Essuman UD 12 (116-113, 116-112, 115-113)
- Nathaniel Collins vs Lee McGregor – Collins TKO 4
- Cruiserweight highlight – Aloys Youmbi KO 3 David Jamieson
What’s next for Moses Itauma
Warren confirmed Itauma will return on 19 July at Wembley. Names in the frame include Martin Bakole and Zhilei Zhang – all ranked inside the top 15, asking the question where does Itauma rank in heavyweight division now? Some said this is too soon as Itauma is still only young. A good stepping stone to reach Bakole or Zhang and has a strong chin, would be the white rhino, Dave Allen, as seen in his most recent fight with Fisher. I think he would test Itauma and drag him into the later rounds. A rematch is unlikely for Balogun, whose age and record offer little value to Itauma’s résumé. Expect negotiations for a recognised contender soon, with Itauma eyeing a world-title eliminator in early 2026.
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