Moses Itauma proves he is the real deal with Dillian Whyte knockout

Moses Itauma backs up all the hype with Dillian Whyte knockout

It took Moses Itauma (13-0, 11 KOs) less than two minutes to prove to the world that he is the future of heavyweight boxing.

The 20-year-old from Chatham knocked out experienced world title contender Dillian Whyte (31-4, 21 KOs) at 1:59 of the first round in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

'The Body Snatcher' had got himself into great shape for the fight, cutting a fine figure at 244lbs, the lowest he has weighed in for a fight since 2015.

The commentator asked the question just as the bell tolled for the first round, 'Is Moses Itauma the heir apparent?' and it took just 119 seconds to answer.

Itauma pawed with his intelligent jab at the guard of Whyte, who threw a double jab in the first 10 seconds, but blocked, as Itauma backed his fast feet up. Then he came back with a double jab of his own followed up by a backhand bodyshot.

The southpaw then threw another double jab-body shot. Whyte was using his backhand right as a crossguard, but it didn't help against a crisp right hook from Itauma. Another double jab-bodyshot combination landed from Itauma, as he backed Dillian away from the centre of the ring.

Whyte threw a left hand jab, but it was slow, allowing Itauma to counter with a jab to the head and straight left to the body. The Kent puncher then threw a three-punch 1-2-hook combo as he looked to step in closer and punish the 37-year-old. The right hook really landed clean and heavy to visibly hurt the Brixton boxer.

As Whyte dipped his head down to avoid the attacks, a left hook grazed the top of his dome and he backed up into the ropes hurt and dazed. He dipped his head down again and Itauma landed an uppercut which caused his legs to buckle and he fell into the corner.

The speedy heavyweight stepped in and whipped in a fantastic right hook to the body with such perfect technique. He landed that right hook downstairs and immediately brought another right hook upstairs in the blink of an eye.

Whyte somehow managed to stay standing and escaped the corner but only to the non-safety of the ropes. Moses was looking for the finish and he found it with a short, potent right hook to the temple.

Whyte stood back up but stumbled badly and referee Mikael Hook stopped the fight, rightfully, despite complaints from the Londoner. The veteran fighter was in no fit state to continue and there is no shame in losing to what has now been fully confirmed as the next heavyweight world champion.

Nick Ball vs Sam Goodman

Britain's only world champion Nick Ball (23-0-1, 13 KOs) retained his WBA featherweight belt with a hard-earned unanimous decision win over sensational Aussie Sam Goodman (20-1, 8 KOs).

It was a very close contest despite the scores of 118-110 and 117-111 from ringside. The other card of 115-113 was a bit more respectable for the plucky challenger, but Ball was always the fighter in control despite being cut above the eye.

26-year-old Goodman loses his unbeaten record but gains enormous respect with his courageous challenge.