Moses Itauma has quickly become one of the most exciting prospects in the world of boxing. At just 20 years old, the British heavyweight has already built a reputation as one of the brightest young talents in the sport. His meteoric rise has been punctuated by a string of knockout victories, including his devastating first-round stoppage of former world title challenger Dillian Whyte in August. That emphatic win elevated Itauma’s professional record to 13-0, with most victories coming by knockout.

For a fighter so young, competing in the heavyweight division is extraordinary. Heavyweight boxing has historically been dominated by fighters who peak in their late 20s or early 30s. Yet Itauma has already shown that he can not only hang with elite contenders but also dismantle them in impressive fashion. This has led many in the boxing community to draw comparisons between Itauma and legends of the sport who made their mark at an early age.

But Itauma’s talent was evident long before he turned professional. Stories from his teenage years highlight just how advanced he was compared to other fighters his age. One of the most telling accounts comes from Lawrence Okolie, a former cruiserweight world champion who sparred Itauma when the prodigy was just 15 years old.

Lawrence Okolie Reflects on Sparring Moses Itauma as a Teenager

In a recent interview with IFL TV, Lawrence Okolie recalled his early sparring sessions with a teenage Itauma. Okolie, who has a professional record of 22-1 and became a world champion in 2021, admitted he was surprised by Itauma’s skill level at such a young age.

“It was a good spar,” Okolie revealed. “I was quite shocked at how good he [Itauma] was. I think if he was like a 25-year-old… it would be like, ‘Oh, wow. He’s good.’ But because he was 15, 16, it’s bizarre seeing someone at that age doing what he was able to do.”

Okolie explained that the spars were not only competitive but also beneficial for him as he prepared for his own fights. “Like I said, they were really good spars. They helped me get into shape for my fights because, as you can see, Moses is quick and explosive. So, they really helped tune me up for the world title fights.”

The heavyweight contender’s use of the word “bizarre” highlights just how unusual it is to find a teenager capable of holding his own against professional-level fighters. Most young boxers are still developing their physical strength and technical abilities at that age. Itauma, however, was already demonstrating the kind of speed, power, and composure that seasoned professionals respect.

Moses Itauma’s Knockout of Dillian Whyte

The recent knockout of Dillian Whyte has only reinforced Itauma’s reputation as the future of the heavyweight division. Whyte, a former interim WBC heavyweight champion, has shared the ring with some of the biggest names in the sport, including Anthony Joshua, Tyson Fury, and Alexander Povetkin. For Itauma to finish him inside one round at just 20 years old sent shockwaves through the boxing community.

With that victory, Itauma’s record improved to 13-0, and fans and analysts began seriously discussing when—not if—he would fight for a world title. The heavyweight landscape is currently crowded with established champions and contenders, but Itauma’s rapid development suggests he will soon force his way into the conversation.

The Significance of Sparring Elite Fighters at a Young Age

For many boxing fans, the revelation that Itauma sparred top professionals like Lawrence Okolie as a teenager illustrates why he has been able to develop so quickly. Sparring experienced fighters exposes young talents to higher levels of skill, strength, and ring IQ. For Itauma, those rounds in the gym were formative, giving him the confidence and sharpness to transition into the professional ranks with ease.

Okolie’s comments are not the only ones praising Itauma’s abilities at a young age. Several coaches and fighters who witnessed his early career have spoken about his natural athleticism, discipline, and maturity. Unlike many teenage fighters who crumble under pressure, Itauma seemed to thrive when challenged.

Okolie’s Current Focus and the Heavyweight Landscape

Although Lawrence Okolie expressed interest in facing Itauma after his win over Whyte, his immediate attention has shifted toward Agit Kabayel, the unbeaten WBC interim champion from Germany. Kabayel holds a professional record of 26-0 and is widely considered one of the most avoided fighters in the division.

“The [fight] that I want is Kabayel,” Okolie stated. “The reasons are clear, he’s a WBC interim champion. I can’t see myself getting the Usyk fight next, so he’s probably the most credible, avoided fighter in the division.”

Kabayel is expected to return in January 2026, though an opponent has yet to be announced. For Okolie, securing a fight with Kabayel would represent a major step toward solidifying himself as a legitimate heavyweight contender.

This dynamic illustrates the complexity of the heavyweight division right now. With big names like Tyson Fury, Oleksandr Usyk, and Anthony Joshua still dominating headlines, younger fighters like Itauma and Okolie are looking to carve out their paths while waiting for opportunities to challenge for world titles.

The Future of Moses Itauma

At just 20 years old, Moses Itauma has time on his side. His victory over Whyte shows he is already capable of competing at a world-class level, but his youth means he still has room to grow physically and technically. Many boxing analysts believe Itauma could dominate the division for years to come if he continues on his current trajectory.

One of Itauma’s biggest strengths is his combination of speed and power. Heavyweights are often slower due to their size, but Itauma’s explosiveness gives him a unique edge. Add to that his composure inside the ring, and it becomes clear why so many see him as a future world champion.

The fact that he was already earning respect from fighters like Lawrence Okolie as a teenager speaks volumes. Few boxers in history have displayed such advanced skills at such a young age, and this “bizarre” level of talent is what makes Itauma stand out in a division known for late bloomers.

Comparing Itauma to Heavyweight Legends

Whenever a young heavyweight emerges, comparisons to past greats are inevitable. Itauma’s rapid rise has drawn parallels to fighters like Mike Tyson, who won his first world title at just 20 years old. Like Tyson, Itauma has demonstrated explosive power, confidence, and the ability to finish fights early.

However, Itauma also brings a modern approach to training, nutrition, and preparation that sets him apart. Unlike many past heavyweights who relied solely on power, Itauma’s versatility and technical skills are already being recognized as exceptional.

If he continues to progress, he could carve out his own legacy as one of the youngest champions in heavyweight history.

Challenges Ahead for the Young Heavyweight

While the hype surrounding Moses Itauma is justified, challenges remain. The heavyweight division is full of experienced fighters who know how to test and frustrate younger opponents. Veterans like Deontay Wilder, Joseph Parker, and Andy Ruiz Jr. all possess dangerous skills and could pose stylistic problems for the young star.

Additionally, the mental pressure of being labeled a future champion can weigh heavily on young athletes. Itauma will need to stay focused, avoid distractions, and continue developing his skills under the guidance of his team.

But if his sparring sessions at 15 and his recent destruction of Dillian Whyte are anything to go by, Itauma appears more than capable of handling the spotlight.

The “Bizarre” Talent of Moses Itauma

The story of Lawrence Okolie sparring a 15-year-old Moses Itauma is a fascinating insight into the early development of a fighter who is now on the verge of becoming a global star. Okolie’s description of the experience as “bizarre” captures the unusual nature of sparring someone so young who already had the tools of a seasoned professional.

Now, at 20 years old, Itauma’s career is accelerating faster than most heavyweights in history. His knockout of Dillian Whyte, his undefeated record, and the respect he commands from established fighters all point to a future world champion in the making.

The heavyweight division is entering an exciting new era, and Moses Itauma looks set to be at the very center of it. If his teenage years were “bizarre,” the coming decade might be nothing short of historic.