British-Nigerian heavyweight boxer Moses Itauma has opened up about his boxing journey, cultural heritage, and ambitions for the future.

Speaking during his visit to Nigeria on Independence Day, Itauma said he felt an overwhelming sense of pride and belonging. “I have felt very welcomed. At the airport, a security officer asked if my belts were mine, and when I said yes, she asked if I was Nigerian. The moment I told her my father is Nigerian, she said, ‘We’re proud of you,’ without even knowing my story. That meant a lot to me. I’m glad to be home,” he said.

At just 20 years old, Itauma is already being regarded as one of the most promising prospects in heavyweight boxing. Despite his rapid rise, he insists he is still learning and evolving. “I’m forever curious and learning. Every city and every country teaches me something new. Coming to Nigeria has helped me connect with my culture, and I’m glad to be exposed to it. To reach the next level, I can’t remain the same boy forever,” he noted.

When asked about following in the footsteps of legends like Mike Tyson or Anthony Joshua, Itauma was clear: “Mike Tyson had his own career, Evander Holyfield had his, and Anthony Joshua is creating his path. I want to create Moses Itauma’s story. I don’t want to be like anyone else.”

He credited his Nigerian heritage for giving him extra strength in the ring. “The Nigerian power definitely helps me in the ring. Look at the likes of Joshua, Lawrence Okolie, Daniel Dubois, and Dillian Whyte—all with Nigerian roots. There must be something in the water,” he said.

Reflecting on his upbringing in Slovakia, Itauma admitted it was tough at times due to racism. “Growing up, people weren’t used to seeing people of colour. My brothers felt it more because they went to school there. But I don’t carry hatred. They just didn’t know better. I still go back every year to visit my mother’s side of the family, so I have love for the place,” he shared.

On potential future matchups, Itauma dismissed talk of fighting Anthony Joshua since they share the same trainer. However, he did not rule out a clash with Efe Ajagba or even a shot at current heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk. “Any scenario with Usyk is a win. If I win, I’m a world champion at 20. If I lose, I still gained experience fighting for the title at 20. Either way, it’s a victory,” he explained.

Although he dreams of becoming the youngest heavyweight champion, Itauma admitted he believes timing is everything. “I wanted to be champion as young as possible, but I feel like God told me I wasn’t ready yet. There’s more to boxing than fighting—it’s the media, the pressure, the expectations. I’m taking on challenges now to prepare me for when the time comes,” he said.

Itauma also revealed ongoing talks about staging fights in Nigeria and other parts of Africa. “There’s so much talent here that hasn’t been tapped into. We’ve been discussing the possibility of bringing big fights to Nigeria, and I think it will happen soon,” he stated.

His partnership with Bet9ja, he explained, is rooted in reconnecting with his Nigerian heritage and helping young athletes. “One of the main reasons I partnered with Bet9ja was to discover my roots and set up avenues to support young Nigerian athletes. It’s not just about sending a message but actually creating opportunities and unlocking potential,” Itauma stressed.

Tracing his background, Itauma said his father was born in Lagos but hails originally from Akwa Ibom. “I’ve been in touch with my father throughout this trip, and we recently had a meeting with the governor of Akwa Ibom, who is eager to host me there. I’m looking forward to it,” he said.

When asked if he had a dream venue to fight in—Nigeria, Wembley, Las Vegas, or Saudi Arabia—he replied: “My favourite thing is to win. I didn’t start boxing to be a superstar or sell tickets. Whether it’s Wembley, Saudi Arabia, or Nigeria, it’s about getting in the ring and getting the job done.”