Itauma vs Whyte: Unbeaten prospect says veteran opponent “playing a sheep to catch the wolf”

Jamaica-born Londoner Whyte brings a wealth of experience, having won 31 of his 34 professional fights.

He has shared the ring with some of the division’s biggest names, including Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury, and holds notable wins over Derek Chisora and Joseph Parker.

“I’ve had a few main events and a few pay-per-views, but there is so much more left for me to achieve in the game,” added Whyte.

His career has stalled in recent years, though.

A stoppage win over Ebenezer Tetteh last December was unconvincing, but Whyte appears to be in his best physical shape for some time.

“I’m someone who is not supposed to be here,” added the ‘Body Snatcher’.

“Never had a great amateur career, no support. A kid from Jamaica who has been written off many times, not meant to survive, meant to be dead before I was in my 20s. But here I am doing stuff, so what more can I say?”

Chatham’s Itauma is a powerful and agile southpaw, once tipped as the man who could break Mike Tyson’s record as the youngest heavyweight champion.

Although that timeline has passed, excitement around the Slovakia-born fighter remains high.

Itauma has already stopped 10 of his 12 professional opponents and boasts a perfect 24-0 amateur record.

“This is the start of greatness,” he said.