The boxing world is buzzing with excitement after Moses Itauma, the 20-year-old British heavyweight sensation, produced one of the most eye-catching performances of 2025. Itauma’s first-round demolition of Dillian Whyte on August 16 at the ANB Arena in Riyadh has catapulted him into global stardom. His remarkable showing has not only stunned fans but also caught the attention of influential voices in combat sports—none more prominent than Joe Rogan.

On the popular Joe Rogan Experience (Fight Companion) podcast, the legendary UFC commentator heaped praise on Itauma, calling him “a real problem” in the heavyweight division. Rogan’s comments have fueled the growing conversation around Itauma’s potential to become one of the sport’s dominant figures.

The Rise of Moses Itauma

Moses Itauma (13-0, 11 KOs) has wasted no time making his mark in professional boxing. From the beginning of his career, the young fighter from Chatham, England, displayed remarkable talent, blending lightning-fast hand speed with devastating knockout power.

In 2024, Itauma began to build serious momentum with victories over respected names like Mariuz Wach and Demsey McKean. Entering 2025, he raised the bar even higher, recording impressive stoppage wins against Mike Balogun and finally, his career-defining victory over Dillian Whyte.

The one-round destruction of Whyte—a seasoned former title challenger with 35 professional fights—proved that Itauma is not just a promising prospect but a legitimate contender for the heavyweight crown.

Joe Rogan Reacts to Itauma’s Victory

During his podcast appearance alongside Gordon Ryan, Brendan Schaub, and Bryan Callen, Joe Rogan could not hide his excitement about Moses Itauma. He described the young fighter’s unique attributes and explained why boxing fans should keep a close eye on him.

“I’ll tell you who’s the real deal—Moses Itauma. Do you know who that 20-year-old heavyweight is? Bro, did you see what he did to Dillian Whyte? Bro, he’s a problem. That guy’s a real problem,” Rogan said.

Rogan went on to highlight Itauma’s speed and movement, comparing him to fighters in smaller weight classes:

“This kid is so fast. He moves like a middleweight.”

Rogan also drew comparisons to Mike Tyson, noting that Itauma is only slightly older than Tyson was when he won the heavyweight title. While Itauma may not claim the record for the youngest heavyweight champion, Rogan emphasized that his explosive performances suggest greatness lies ahead.

What Makes Moses Itauma Special?

Several factors contribute to Moses Itauma’s rapid rise in the sport:

Youth and Athleticism: At just 20 years old, Itauma is already competing—and winning—against high-level opposition.

Speed and Footwork: Unusual for a heavyweight, Itauma’s agility allows him to close distance quickly and avoid danger.

Knockout Power: With 11 stoppages in 13 fights, his ability to end bouts suddenly has captivated fans and analysts alike.

Composure Under Pressure: Against Whyte, Itauma showed maturity far beyond his years, capitalizing on his opponent’s mistakes without hesitation.

These attributes make him one of the most exciting prospects in the sport today, and Joe Rogan’s endorsement has only amplified the hype.

Tony Bellew’s Perspective: The Need for Tougher Tests

While Joe Rogan is convinced that Itauma is destined for greatness, former cruiserweight world champion Tony Bellew offered a measured perspective. Speaking to Pundit Arena, Bellew stressed that Itauma must prove himself in longer, more grueling fights before being matched with the very best heavyweights.

“Moses has got to go past six rounds,” Bellew explained. “No one can be picking Moses against top-level heavyweights if he hasn’t been past six rounds. I don’t doubt how good he is. I think he’s exceptional. But you will never know how good he is until he goes past six rounds.”

Bellew suggested that a fight with Andy Ruiz Jr., the former unified heavyweight champion, would be the perfect next step.
“Andy Ruiz throws enough shots, he comes to win, and he ain’t lying down for nobody. That would be a really good fight to make,” Bellew added.

Who Could Be Next for Moses Itauma?

Following his victory over Whyte, Itauma’s promoter Frank Warren confirmed that the young star will return to action on December 13 in Manchester, with the opponent yet to be announced.

Several possibilities are being discussed:

Andy Ruiz Jr. – As Bellew suggested, Ruiz would provide valuable experience by pushing Itauma into deeper rounds.

Filip Hrgovic – The Croatian contender could serve as a stepping stone toward a title shot.

Daniel Dubois – A domestic clash with another British heavyweight prospect would be a major draw for fans.

No matter who steps into the ring with Itauma, one thing seems certain: fireworks are guaranteed.

How Itauma Compares to Boxing Legends

Joe Rogan’s comparison to Mike Tyson may seem bold, but Itauma’s performances have sparked similar excitement. Tyson burst onto the scene in the mid-1980s with explosive knockouts and an aura of invincibility. While Itauma’s career is still in its early stages, the parallels are hard to ignore:

Both fighters achieved prominence at a very young age.Both showcased unusual speed for heavyweights.

Both carried fight-ending power in either hand.

However, unlike Tyson, who was pushed into a world-title fight at just 20, Itauma’s team appears determined to move him along carefully. This strategy may allow him to develop the stamina and ring IQ necessary to dominate the division for years to come.

Why Joe Rogan’s Praise Matters

Joe Rogan is more than just a commentator—he is one of the most influential voices in combat sports today. With millions of listeners and a keen eye for talent, his endorsement of Moses Itauma carries significant weight.

Rogan’s praise ensures that Itauma will attract even greater international attention, potentially opening doors for bigger fights in the United States and beyond. It also validates the growing consensus that Itauma is not just a prospect but a genuine threat to boxing’s heavyweight hierarchy.

The Road Ahead

The next 12 months will be critical in determining whether Moses Itauma can transition from rising star to world title contender. His December fight in Manchester will provide another opportunity to showcase his skills, but tougher tests are inevitable.

If he continues to build momentum, Itauma could be in line for a world title shot as early as 2026. With champions like Oleksandr Usyk and Tyson Fury nearing the later stages of their careers, the timing may be perfect for a new face to rise to the top.

Moses Itauma’s journey from promising teenager to heavyweight sensation has been nothing short of remarkable. With an unbeaten record, devastating knockout power, and the endorsement of Joe Rogan, the young Brit is poised to become one of the most talked-about fighters in the sport.

His first-round destruction of Dillian Whyte has already placed him in the spotlight, and as he prepares for his next bout, expectations continue to grow. While Tony Bellew and others urge patience, there is little doubt that Itauma has the tools to become a dominant force in the heavyweight division.

As Joe Rogan summed it up perfectly: “That guy’s a real problem.” And in the world of boxing, being a problem for your opponents is the ultimate compliment.