Boxing: Moses Itauma – how Slovakian-born Briton became heavyweight prospect

The family moved to Chatham in Kent when Itauma was just three.

He began boxing at the age of nine and – although he admits he hated his first session – he enjoyed the social side of being with his gym friends and persevered.

During his teenage years, his talent became apparent with tournament wins around the world.

“Where I lived there were a lot of amateurs on the scene, and I was always in and around boxing – I had it good at school and grew close with my friends because I’d see them in class and two hours later I’d see them at the gym,” he says.

Before his 16th birthday, Itauma was sparring with ex-cruiserweight world champion Lawrence Okolie.

His talent was noticed by those in the know. When Itauma’s elder brother, Karol, signed with Frank Warren’s Queensberry Promotions, it wasn’t long before he did the same.

The promoters preferred the heavyweight’s middle name, Moses, to his given forename of Enriko.

Eager to do whatever he could to propel his budding career, Itauma agreed to go by his middle name.

“Karol said Moses sounded strong for a heavyweight, so we decided to go with it,” he said.