The 20-year-old British-Nigerian, ranked 10th by Ring Magazine in the heavyweight division, shared his excitement at a press conference held on Wednesday at the Marriott Hotel in Ikeja, Lagos.
"I’m Glad to Be Home"
Recalling a touching moment upon arrival, the unbeaten fighter said his Nigerian heritage was instantly recognized.
“I just want to say I felt very welcomed. I feel like there’s something that I’ve experienced here that I’ve never experienced in my short years of travelling,” Itauma said.
“For example, I was at the airport yesterday and the security guard asked me if these belts were mine. And I said yes. And she was like, ‘Are you Nigerian?’ And I said, my father’s Nigerian. She said, ‘We’re proud of you.’”
Visibly moved, he added: “And she didn’t even know my story. So that’s one thing that I can say. I really appreciate every single one of you for coming out. And I’m glad to be home.”
Bet9ja Partnership and Community Projects
Itauma’s trip was organized by sports betting giant Bet9ja, for whom he serves as a brand ambassador. His partnership with the company includes a segment dedicated to the Bet9ja Foundation, with initiatives designed to support grassroots boxing in Nigeria.
This week, Itauma will visit an inner-city boxing facility in Lagos to interact with local talent. Plans are underway to renovate a new gym that he will help reopen on his next visit.
As part of his homecoming, Itauma will also feature in a range of activities—mentorship programmes, community projects, courtesy visits, media appearances, and fan engagements.
Symbol of Nigerian Pride
Bet9ja’s Chief Executive Officer, Ayo Ojoroye, said Itauma’s return symbolises the pride Nigerians feel in his rapid rise through the heavyweight ranks.
“Moses Itauma represents the very best of Nigerian talent and heritage. His journey from the UK boxing circuit to becoming one of the most exciting heavyweight prospects in the world is a source of immense pride for our nation,” Ojoroye said.
A Meteoric Rise
Still unbeaten, Itauma boasts a 13-0 record with 11 knockouts, including an emphatic first-round stoppage of former world champion Dillian Whyte—a win that cemented his status as one of the brightest prospects in global boxing.
For Itauma, however, Nigeria is more than just a place of origin.
“Coming back to Nigeria and just breathing the Nigerian air is so emotional for me. This is a major part of my identity, and I am proud to finally connect with the people, the culture, and the energy that have shaped who I am today. Nigeria has always been in my heart, and I can’t wait to share this moment with my fans,” he said.