Dillian Whyte Falls Fast to Rising Prospect—While Turki Eyes a Usyk Showdown

In a stunning turn of events at the Esports World Cup Fight Week in Riyadh, 20-year-old heavyweight prospect Moses Itauma stormed through seasoned veteran Dillian Whyte with a devastating first-round knockout—just 119 seconds into the bout. The result has sent ripples through the division and reignited discussions around who could be the next worthy challenger to undisputed champion Oleksandr Usyk.

Whyte’s Early Exit: A Career Crossroads

Whyte, longtime British favorite and no stranger to world-class competition, entered the ring at his lightest in a decade—delivering on the hard work and preparation. But it was Itauma’s explosive speed, precision, and youth that told the story. A left hook staggered Whyte, followed by a precise barrage and a crushing right hook that ended the fight abruptly.

This marked the 37‑year‑old’s fourth professional loss—and the most emphatic result of his career. He was unable to withstand the raw force and aggression brought by Itauma, who remains undefeated as he quickly climbed up the heavyweight ranks.

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Turki’s Bold Vision: Usyk vs. Itauma Next?

The aftermath of the fight didn’t just elevate Itauma—it also spotlighted a bold direction from prominent boxing impresario Turki Alalshikh. Reports emerged that he envisions the young phenom facing off against Oleksandr Usyk, the undisputed heavyweight champion, next. It’s a high-stakes matchup that would pit skill and speed against experience and composure.

Itauma himself didn’t shy away from the idea—saying, “I’d love that as well.” However, he also acknowledged his team’s preference for him to build experience before taking on such a high-level opponent, noting names like Jermaine Franklin as more logical stepping stones in his development.