Moses Itauma flattened ex-NFL star Mike Balogun three times en route to another devastating win.
Itauma is considered the heavyweight division’s brightest prospect, tipped for greatness by the likes of Oleksandr Usyk, Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury.
Compared to Mike Tyson, it was the Chatham native’s first fight since missing out on his planned record of becoming the sport’s youngest ever heavyweight champion.
He took on former NFL star Balogun on the undercard of Josh Taylor’s clash with Ekow Essuman at the OVO Arena in Glasgow.
And he successfully moved to 12-0 in the paid professional ranks, with yet another explosive KO.
Itauma flattened the brave and resilient Balogun three times with heavy and devastating blows.
But the third left hook closed the show with the American left flat on his back on the canvas.
It was yet another real statement of intent, with the 20-year-old prodigy destined for the pinnacle of boxing’s glamour division.
Fans in the arena were left purring, and the boxing world is desperate to set their eyes on Itauma in the ring at any opportunity.
Itauma immediately looked the classier of the two gliding around the ring and letting his fast hands go early on, beating Balogun to the opening punches.
A left hand within the opening minute rocked Balogun on his feet and he started to sense an opening, before the same shot landed again.
It put Balogun on his face on the canvas, but he managed to beat the count after the concussive shot crashed through the guard with ease.
The former linebacker made it to the bell, but it looked ominous with Itauma looking in complete control and a seemingly invincible young talent.
Itauma once again landed a peach of a shot which scored the second knockdown with just seconds on the clock.
And the generational talent waited for his rival to climb back to his feet before the next barrage charged up.
Balogun came rushing in and he took a half step back before landing a sensationally timed left hook to flatten his rival on his back for a third time.
Incredibly he lay awake on the canvas, trying to lean up but the referee waved off the contest, seeing no space for further punishment.
Itauma’s incredible streak of victories continued and it shows no signs of letting up at any point.
Big things now appear in store for the talented Briton, who will need to start to go through the gears.
Promoter Frank Warren has teased that he could fight ‘boogeyman’ Martin Bakole within 2025.
And he has even been ambitiously linked with a title shot against current champion Usyk.
It appears he will a chance to catch the eye of the Ukrainian king again next time out.
Francis Warren has teased that Itauma’s next outing could well be on the undercard of Usyk’s sequel with Daniel Dubois at Wembley Stadium on July 19.
One thing is for certain, and that is that not many heavyweight operators will want to share rounds with this frightening young talent in the near future.
