Mike Tyson’s record as the youngest heavyweight champion in history is absolutely safe, no matter what goes down this weekend in London. But don’t you dare think for a second that Moses Itauma’s showdown with Filip Hrgovic for the vacant IBF heavyweight title isn’t still a monumental moment.
The Prince That Was Promised Steps Up
Nobody in British boxing has been hyped like Moses Itauma in a minute, and for good reason. They’ve been calling him the “prince that was promised,” with word on the street that this kid was giving prime professionals all they could handle in sparring when he was just a mid-teenager. His pro career has been nothing short of exemplary, a straight-up rocket launch: 14 consecutive wins, with 12 knockouts. That dominant progress has set him up against Filip Hrgovic, an established elite-level heavyweight, with a piece of the fractured heavyweight crown on the line. All the promotional buzz, the “WITNESS GREATNESS” posters everywhere, it’s all for Itauma. They know what’s at stake for this kid.
Making History Beyond Iron Mike
So, while ‘Iron Mike’s’ legend from November 22, 1986, when he absolutely crushed Trevor Berbick at 20 years, four months, and 23 days old for the WBC title, isn’t going anywhere, Itauma can still carve out his own massive piece of history. When he steps into the O2 Arena this weekend, Itauma will be 21 years, eight months, and one day old. If he snags that vacant IBF belt, he’s not just a champion; he’s number two all time on the youngest heavyweight champions list.
Think about that for a second. That puts him ahead of legit legends like Floyd Patterson, who was 21 years, 10 months, 26 days old when he got his first titles. Patterson, the two-time heavyweight champion, lost his belts to the formidable Sonny Liston, which then opened the door for Muhammad Ali , back then still Cassius Clay , to pull off one of the biggest upsets against Liston. Ali’s famous rivals, Joe Frazier and George Foreman, also became young heavyweight kings. Remember Foreman absolutely demolishing Frazier in Jamaica in January 1973, flooring him six times in two brutal rounds? Itauma would be joining that kind of esteemed company, placing himself among names like Jack Dempsey, Joe Louis, and Wladimir Klitschko.
The Legacy Awaits
This isn’t just another fight. This is a moment for Moses Itauma to stamp his name among the all-time greats, even if Tyson’s untouchable record remains. Can he handle the pressure, deliver on all that promise, and rise to the occasion against Hrgovic? The whole boxing world is watching to see if this prince can truly become king.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by The Sporting News.
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