Slovakian-born 19-year-old heavyweight boxing prospect Moses Itauma has the rare opportunity to overtake the legendary Mike Tyson. In his quest to become the new youngest heavyweight champion of the world, Itauma desperately wants a fight against Interim WBO heavyweight champion Joseph Parker. 

‘Iron’ Mike became the youngest heavyweight champion at the age of 20, all the way back in 1986. As it stands, Itauma turned 19 on December 18 last year, meaning he has until May 26, 2025, to surpass Tyson and become the new youngest heavyweight champion. The update regarding his fight comes from Itauma’s promoter Frank Warren, who spoke to talkSport on the subject. 

Moses Itauma fancies the Joseph Parker fight 

Speaking to talkSport, Warren revealed he has been in discussion with the 19-year-old about his next potential opponent, which they will officially announce in the next few weeks. Emphasizing the fact that Itauma is still a teenager, Warren praised Itauma’s strength and composure during fights. “He’s got a fabulous jab and that’s what I was really impressed with in his last fight,” Warren said. The southpaw is coming off a second-round stoppage victory over famously durable Mariusz Wach. This seems to have really impressed Warren, who couldn’t stop commending Itauma’s skills. 

Highlighting how well the 19-year-old handled business “against a real seasoned tough guy,” who many expected to get several rounds out of Itauma. Now, turning to Itauma’s next potential opponent, Warren said, “His next fight – the one he’s told me he wants is Joseph Parker.” Warren revealed in his conversation with the young boxer, Itauma told him “I really, really fancy that fight.”

Get the EssentiallySports Daily Newsletter. Stay ahead of the game with daily updates, exclusive stories, expert takes, and the biggest moments from the world's most popular sports.

Warren believes becoming a world champion is a real possibility for the 19-year-old, “If he keeps doing what he’s doing.” However, Warren emphasized that it’s his and Itauma’s manager’s job to “temper that and pick the right fights at the right time.” Regardless, Warren is still very excited for his fighter and is looking forward to Itauma creating history.

While fighting Joseph Parker to become a world title contender is indeed a great ambition, in case that doesn’t happen, Itauma has a list of opponents he would like to lock horns with. 

The top five

In July 2024, heavyweight prodigy Moses Itauma revealed a five-man hitlist of potential opponents for his upcoming bouts. Following his second-round stoppage of Mariusz Wach, the 19-year-old sensation, now 10-0 with eight knockouts, has his sights set on tougher competition as he pursues his dream of becoming the youngest world heavyweight champion in history.

Itauma shared his list during an appearance on the George Groves Boxing Club podcast, naming Tom Schwarz, Tony Yoka, Demsey McKean, Guido Vianello, and Simon Kean as his preferred adversaries. “They are all like big, high names,” Itauma stated, underscoring his ambition to step up in caliber for his September return to the ring.

That said, desiring to break Mike Tyson’s record is one thing and actually doing it is something else entirely. It’s yet to be seen whether an experienced boxer like Joseph Parker allows young Moses Itauma to create history in the sport. Would you like to see this potential fight?