Fight results

Not the opponent most expected to see across the ring from Itauma after his recent wins, but stylistically, this is an entertaining matchup. Balogun is a short, stocky, aggressive fighter with genuine power. A southpaw with fairly quick hands and solid combination work, he brings a certain chaos to the ring.

Of course, Moses’ footwork is on a completely different level. He doesn’t just attack well — he builds his attacks intelligently, creates angles, and sidesteps when danger looms. This isn’t a bout destined to be dull — that much is certain.

Moses is just 20 years old, a full 21 years younger than his opponent. And even so, his resume is already stronger. Among the most notable names on Balogun’s record is Murat Gassiev, who knocked the American out in the second round. Itauma, by comparison, already holds a much more polished record — despite his age.

Neither fighter is particularly high-volume, but in this case, punch count isn’t the headline. Itauma’s accuracy is in a class of its own. The way he found and finished Dempsey McKean was a textbook display of elite execution — a level Balogun simply hasn’t shown.

In 2024, Itauma fought four times. Across those four bouts, he spent a total of just six rounds in the ring — none of his opponents made it to the third round.

Balogun, meanwhile, fought just once last year, returning from the loss to Gassiev in 2023. In that single outing, Mike boxed eight rounds — more than Moses boxed in all of 2024. He won by unanimous decision.

Balogun doesn’t have an edge over Itauma in raw power, but his punches deserve respect. When they land, they hurt — and they’re capable of ending a fight at any moment.

That said, power alone isn’t enough. It’s about finding the target and breaking through the opponent’s guard. Whether the American has the skillset to do that is a serious question.

Itauma appears to take a punch well, but truthfully, he hasn’t been truly tested yet. Balogun’s only loss came via knockout — early in the fight — against a seasoned but past-prime opponent.

Given Itauma’s power and ability to create openings, it’s hard not to see this as a dangerous night for Mike Balogun.

Facing a British prospect in the UK is a tall order for Balogun. Going up against a hometown fighter in front of a supportive crowd is never easy.

One notable detail: this will be Balogun’s second fight outside the United States. The last one was against Gassiev — in Armenia.

This is expected to be a routine win for Itauma. The hope is that Balogun sees the opportunity and comes to cause problems — maybe even starts with some explosive exchanges. At the very least, he may try to force those moments.

But anything beyond that seems unlikely.

These are fighters on different levels and different trajectories. Itauma is better with his footwork, sharper in his attacks, and more technically refined — with the superior record to prove it.

Which is why nothing less than a dominant, polished victory will satisfy Moses’ fans.