Boxing’s heavyweight division takes center stage in Saudi Arabia on August 16 when Moses Itauma faces Dillian Whyte. The fight airs on DAZN.
The fight is a massive test for Itauma (12-0), an ambassador for The Ring. The 20-year-old has ten wins via knockout, with only two fights making it past the second round. He’s already being praised as the division’s next big thing.
Whyte boasts more experience than any Itauma opponent, but Itauma is ready to exceed expectations.
“I’m going in there and I’m doing a job. It’s just like, this job’s harder than the others,” Itauma said via The National. “So I don’t really see all that extra pressure and all that, whatnot, outside the ring. He’s definitely the best boxer I’m going to box, as in officially. But I am confident going into this fight.”
Whyte has held British and interim heavyweight titles. He failed to win gold in 2022 after getting knocked out by Tyson Fury. The Jamaican-born star has since won three straight, competing sparingly over the years.
Many favor Itauma. However, the 37-year-old Whyte aims to prove doubters wrong and show he still has something to give to the sport.
“We’ve seen it time and again where all these guys built up, they’re knocking everybody out, they’re contenders, prospects,” Whyte said via ESPN.
“Sometimes these guys get rushed, or sometimes they get blown out of proportion, and then things go wrong. It’s heavyweight boxing… It’s unpredictable. I believe in myself. Listen, I’m getting written off, but this isn’t new. Even when I was beating these guys as a No. 1 contender, I was still getting written off.”
With the help of the FanDuel Sportsbook, The Sporting News looks at the odds for this fight and makes a final prediction
Moses Itauma vs. Dillian Whyte betting odds
Per the FanDuel Sportsbook, Moses Itauma is the -1300 favorite while Dillian Whyte is the +700 underdog.
Moses Itauma vs. Dillian Whyte betting trends
Via the FanDuel Sportsbook:
- Itauma via KO/TKO: -470
- Itauma via decision: +600
- Whyte via KO/TKO: +850
- Whyte via decision: +2000
- Draw: +2500
MORE: How to bet on combat sports
Moses Itauma vs. Dillian Whyte odds, prediction
The fight is a classic case of the old vs. new blood of boxing. Who will prevail in this matchup?
The hype around Moses Itauma is real, despite his limited competition.
Before Whyte, Itauma faced Mariusz Wach, knocking the former title contender out in the second round. His next challenge was Demsey McKean. Itauma steamrolled by him, landing six jabs and multiple power shots in a fight that didn’t make it past the first round.
Against Mike Balogun, Itauma used his signature jabs to weaken his opponent, landing nine in the first round. He produced three knockdowns and secured a KO win in the second.
Itauma prefers the center of the ring and has fast hands. Whyte also has knockout power and can fight in the middle with the best of them.
MORE: Breaking down the entire Moses Itauma vs. Dillian Whyte undercard
Whyte faltered when he finally earned a title shot against Tyson Fury. He landed some of the lowest shots among Fury’s opponents. The 37-year-old has since recovered with three straight wins.
Whyte landed 144 of 608 shots (23.7%) against Jermaine Franklin, who had a higher connect percentage (27.2%). Whyte impressed with his power shots. Against Ebenezer Tetteh, Whyte failed to score an early knockdown and showed signs of fatigue, but the referee stopped the fight in the seventh round in favor of Whyte.
Whyte’s momentum shifted after a surprising series against Alexander Povetkin for interim gold. He has battled his way back up the ladder, but does the quality of his opponents and his recent efforts expose him as he prepares to face the formidable Itauma?
It’s a massive test for Itauma, and there’s plenty of pressure on him. However, The Sporting News believes he will secure a dominant win and move on to a potential title or contender fight.
Sporting News prediction: Itauma via TKO (round five)
