Gustavo Olivieri, president of the WBO, lavished praise on twenty year-old Moses Itauma after Itauma (12-0) stopped Mike Balogun over the weekend. Olivieiri wrote that "Itauma has climbed the WBO rankings with talent, discipline, and electrifying performances. Now the #1 world-rated heavyweight contender, his moment is approaching. It’s only a matter of time before he gets his shot & the world sees a new star emerge." But barely a day later, Olivieri qualified the WBO's pecking order in the heavyweight division: "For the record: While Moses Itauma holds the WBO’s #1 world ranking in the heavyweight division, this alone does NOT confer mandatory status. That designation requires defeating top-rated contender(s). Joeseph Parker [the WBO interim champion] remains the official mandatory [challenger] and retains priority, per WBO Rules."

 

As for the fight, Itauma wasted no time reminding the heavyweight division why he’s considered a rising star, stopping Balogun (21-2) in the second round on Saturday night at The SSE Hydro in Glasgow. Itauma, just 20 years old, showcased poise, power, and precision, delivering a right hook to Balogun’s chin that ended the bout at just 46 seconds into the second round. Referee John Latham had seen enough, calling a halt to the contest after two prior knockdowns—one in the opening frame and another moments before the final blow. The writing was on the wall early. In round one, Itauma floored Balogun with a sharp left hook that sent the American to the canvas for the first count of the night. Balogun bravely beat the count and managed to make it through the round, but the damage had been done.