Heavyweight Prospect Itauma Discovers Identity Through Nigerian Roots Ahead of Franklin Fight

Rising heavyweight contender Moses Itauma has found profound meaning in reconnecting with his Nigerian heritage, describing a recent visit to his father homeland as pivotal in understanding his identity ahead of his upcoming bout against Jermaine Franklin on March 28 in Manchester.

The 21-year-old prospect, who boasts a perfect 13-0 record with 11 knockouts since turning professional in January 2023, traveled to Akwa Ibom state in southeastern Nigeria late last year seeking answers to fundamental questions about himself that had long remained unanswered.

This is not just my boxing, this is kind of my personal life, Itauma explained about his Nigerian journey. Some of the questions that I want to be answered are in my dad village. Why am I this type of way? Why do I look this type of way? Or why do I think this type of way?

The Commonwealth champion was born in Slovakia to a Slovakian mother and Nigerian father, later moving to Chatham in southeastern England where he developed his boxing skills. His complex background includes painful experiences with racism during his childhood in Eastern Europe, making his recent Nigerian experience particularly meaningful.

Itauma arrival at Lagos Murtala Muhammed Airport provided immediate validation of his heritage when security staff recognized his championship belts and expressed genuine pride in his accomplishments. The contrast with his experiences elsewhere proved striking and emotionally significant.

I said, yeah, my father is, Itauma recalled when asked if he was Nigerian. They said we are proud of you. They did not know my story, they do not know what I have gone through, they do not know what my mum has been through, they do not know nothing about me. But they said just because I am Nigerian, I am doing well, that they are proud of me. That is something I have never had anywhere else.

The experience highlighted cultural differences that resonated deeply with the young heavyweight. While comparing his reception in different countries, Itauma noted that nobody even shook his hand in Slovakia to offer congratulations, whereas Nigerian hospitality proved overwhelming and genuine.

I go to Nigeria as the same person and they treat me very well, he observed. And then my mum was like, yeah, but that is true Nigerians, they are naturally happy, they are naturally grateful.

Itauma journey reflects broader trends among British-Nigerian fighters seeking connections to their African roots. Anthony Joshua, who has an outline of the African continent tattooed on his arm, has made numerous trips to Nigeria before tragedy struck during his most recent visit when two coaching team members died in a car accident.

Lawrence Okolie recently promoted and headlined his own boxing event in Lagos, predicting that more British fighters will follow his example by competing in Nigeria. Itauma strongly agrees with this assessment, expressing surprise at the production quality he witnessed during Nigerian fight nights.

However, according to Remi Aboderin, general secretary of the Nigeria Boxing Board of Control who accompanied Itauma on his visit, financial incentives are not the primary motivation for these heritage trips.

There is really no money to be made here in Nigeria, Aboderin claimed. Rather, they are coming in and helping to propagate, broadening the Nigerian professional boxing scene, and then help bring in money through their sponsors to promote us and their Nigerian counterparts. And also connect to their Nigerian roots and get to know their cultural heritage.

The impact of Nigerian culture proved physically exhausting for Itauma, who needed several days of rest upon returning to England. When I came back from Nigeria I needed a rest for four or five days, just stayed in bed, said the heavyweight prospect, describing the country intense energy.

Itauma identity struggles were crystalized by advice from a secondary school teacher in Kent, who explained the conditional nature of British acceptance using Anthony Joshua as an example. The teacher noted how Joshua was celebrated as British during victories but labeled as Nigerian following defeats.

As Itauma prepares for Franklin, his enhanced understanding of his Nigerian heritage provides emotional foundation for future success. Victory over the experienced American could position him for world title opportunities while carrying the pride of both British and Nigerian supporters.