British-Nigerian heavyweight Moses Itauma has revealed a stunning ambition: fighting in Nigeria. The rising star, who has taken the boxing world by storm, says returning to his father’s homeland is the ultimate target in his career. Itauma was present at the ‘Chaos in the Ring’ card in Lagos, his first visit to Nigeria in 15 years, where he was warmly welcomed by the local fans and boxing community.

A Homecoming Fifteen Years in the Making

Born in Slovakia and raised in Chatham, Kent, Itauma has always maintained strong connections with his Nigerian heritage. During his recent visit, he shared with DAZN how deeply the experience resonated with him.

“Of course I want to box here. That’s the end goal. When I look at people in Nigeria, I know these are my people, the way they embrace me,” he said.

Itauma’s words highlight the emotional significance of fighting in Nigeria. It’s not just a career milestone; it’s a chance to represent his family’s roots on a global stage.

“Someone asked me off the plane about my belts and said they were proud of me. They said I’m Nigerian and doing well, so they’re proud of me. It’s kind of hard to turn down people like that.”

The connection with his Nigerian identity adds a powerful personal dimension to Itauma’s career ambitions. It’s a motivation that goes beyond belts and rankings.

Nigeria: The Untapped Market for Big Boxing Events

Boxing in Nigeria has been sporadic at best, but recent events like ‘Chaos in the Ring’ signal a growing interest in the sport across West Africa. Big names such as Amir Khan have helped pioneer this movement, recently promoting fights in Ghana and supporting events in Nigeria.

For Itauma, fighting in Nigeria is more than just a personal milestone—it’s an opportunity to bring world-class boxing to a country hungry for high-profile bouts. Prominent British-Nigerian fighters, including Anthony Joshua, Lawrence Okolie, and David Adeleye, have also expressed interest in fighting in Nigeria, suggesting a broader trend that could see the nation becoming a hotspot for global boxing.

At the Lagos event, Okolie and Adeleye were present alongside Itauma, further emphasizing the growing momentum behind boxing in Nigeria.

The Road to the End Goal

While fighting in Nigeria is the ultimate ambition, Itauma’s immediate focus remains firmly on progressing through the UK boxing scene. Promoter Frank Warren confirmed that Itauma’s next fight will take place in Manchester on December 13, continuing his steady march towards a world title opportunity.

Itauma’s last fight was a shock to many. Not only did he defeat a former world title challenger, Dillian Whyte, but he did so emphatically, finishing the bout in less than a round. The win reinforced Itauma’s status as one of the most promising young heavyweights in the world today.

Potential Opponents for the Next Fight

Several high-profile names have been suggested as Itauma’s next opponent. Among them, Michael Hunter and David Adeleye stand out as credible threats. Each presents unique challenges:

Michael Hunter, known for his technical skill and endurance, would test Itauma’s adaptability in the ring.

David Adeleye, a rising British talent with a powerful punch, represents a compelling domestic clash that could further boost Itauma’s profile.

Regardless of the opponent, fans can expect an explosive showdown. Itauma’s trajectory has been meteoric, and each fight brings him closer to realizing both his professional and personal goal of boxing in Nigeria.

The Significance of Fighting in Nigeria

For Itauma, fighting in Nigeria is not just about career recognition; it’s a cultural and emotional milestone. The embrace he received from local fans during his visit reinforced the importance of returning to his roots.

“It’s one of these things that has been talked about for a long time but never been executed. Now I think we are coming to the closing stages of trying to execute a fight in Nigeria.”

If Itauma succeeds in organizing a major fight in Nigeria, it could pave the way for more high-profile events in Africa, helping elevate the sport in the region while providing a platform for local talents to shine.

British-Nigerian Fighters Paving the Way

Itauma is part of a growing movement of British-Nigerian boxers who have successfully bridged international careers with Nigerian heritage. Fighters like Anthony Joshua and Lawrence Okolie have championed similar causes, expressing interest in bringing big fights to Nigeria.

By following this path, Itauma is not only advancing his own career but also contributing to the wider recognition of Nigeria as a viable venue for world-class boxing events. His success could inspire a new generation of Nigerian fighters, further strengthening the country’s influence in the global boxing scene.

Why This Matters for Global Boxing

Fighting in Nigeria has implications beyond personal legacy. It represents an expansion of boxing’s global footprint. Historically, major bouts have been concentrated in North America, the UK, and parts of Europe. Africa, despite producing numerous world-class athletes, has often been overlooked as a host for elite boxing events.

Itauma’s potential fight in Nigeria could catalyze a shift, attracting sponsorships, broadcasting deals, and fan engagement from across the continent. For the sport as a whole, this is an exciting development that could reshape the international boxing calendar.

Itauma’s Ambition and Legacy

At just 27 years old, Moses Itauma has already demonstrated immense talent and resilience in the heavyweight division. His victories, especially the one against Dillian Whyte, show that he is capable of competing at the highest levels.

By targeting a fight in Nigeria, Itauma adds a layer of personal legacy to his professional achievements. It’s a move that balances career progression with cultural identity, illustrating how modern athletes can use their platform to celebrate heritage while competing globally.

What Fans Can Expect

Fans can look forward to several exciting developments:

December 13, Manchester: Itauma’s next bout, likely against Michael Hunter or David Adeleye.

Potential Nigeria Fight: Once Itauma secures more wins, the prospect of a major fight in Lagos could become a reality.

Rising Profile: Each victory consolidates Itauma’s position as a future heavyweight title contender, increasing anticipation for his “end goal” fight.

With a combination of skill, charisma, and cultural resonance, Itauma is poised to become one of the most influential heavyweights of his generation.

Moses Itauma is not just another rising star in the heavyweight division—he is a fighter with a vision that transcends the ring. By targeting Nigeria as his ultimate stage, he is merging personal heritage with professional ambition, creating a narrative that resonates with fans worldwide.

From his emphatic victories to his emotional return to Lagos, Itauma’s journey highlights the power of boxing to connect cultures and inspire communities. The December fight in Manchester is a stepping stone, but the “end goal” of fighting in Nigeria promises to be a defining moment in both his career and the sport of boxing as a whole.

For fans of global boxing, Moses Itauma represents the future—a fusion of talent, determination, and cultural pride that could redefine what it means to be a heavyweight champion in the 21st century.