The 20-year-old southpaw, headlining a professional card for the first time, wasted no time in showcasing his power. After feinting early to read his opponent, Itauma found his range and forced the veteran onto the ropes. A perfectly timed right hook to the temple floored Whyte, and although the 37-year-old former WBC interim champion bravely rose to his feet, referee Mikael Hook waved off the contest, sparing him further punishment.
The emphatic victory extended Itauma’s unbeaten professional record to 13 wins, with 11 coming by knockout, and reinforced his reputation as one of the most exciting young fighters in the heavyweight division. Known for his explosive starts, he has now registered eight first-round stoppages, and has only gone beyond the second round twice in his career.
Promoter Frank Warren praised the young fighter’s poise and maturity in such a high-profile encounter. “How he did it, his temperament, control and composure – he fights better than guys at their peak, and he is 20 years of age. He did a job on somebody who has been at the best levels,” Warren told BBC Radio 5 Live.
Despite Whyte entering the bout in arguably the best condition of his career—coming in at his lightest weight in a decade—he could not withstand the power and precision of Itauma’s punches.
The Slovakia-born fighter, who proudly represents Britain and Nigeria, is now being tipped for a potential world title opportunity within the next year. Heavyweight contenders Joseph Parker, Derek Chisora, and Lawrence Okolie were among those watching ringside as Itauma underlined his status as Britain’s next big heavyweight hope.