Moses Itauma claimed his biggest win yet after a stunning stoppage against Dillian Whyte on Saturday night.
Itauma, 20, won with a first-round knockout against the experienced Whyte to claim the Commonwealth title.
Whyte, now 37, may not be the fighter he once was, but three years ago he lasted six rounds against Tyson Fury, beaten in a fight for the World title.
He’d also previously been in the ring with Anthony Joshua and Joseph Parker.
Three titles were on the line in the 10-round contest. The WBO inter-continental heavyweight title, the WBA international belt and the vacant Commonwealth championship title.
Facing rising star Itauma at the ANB Arena in Riyadh as the headline bout, Londoner Whyte was supposed to be there to give the Chatham boxer a real test, but his defences were torn apart as a ruthless display from the younger man led to the fight lasting just under two minutes.
Whyte’s ring walk lasted longer than the fight as Itauma made a purposeful start and he never let up, a glancing blow to the top of the head leaving the veteran in trouble early on.
Itauma had his opponent staggering to the canvas after a series of devastating blows and a decisive right hook to the head, leaving the referee with no option but to wave it off, handing the Kent man another quick victory to his name, much to Whyte’s disappointment.
“He fights better than guys at their peak, and he is 20 years of age,” boasted his promoter Frank Warren.
Itauma was already been talked about as a future world champion and his latest win has only enhanced his status in the heavyweight division.
He’s won all 13 of his professional fights – with the last nine all ending with TKO wins inside two rounds and is ranked no.1 by the WBO, which could lead him to a world title shot.
“I will fight anyone they put in front of me,” declared the Chatham fighter afterwards, with the crowd calling for Oleksandr Usyk.
