Moses Itauma leaves Dillian Whyte splattered on ropes in 119-second KO to cement status as boxing’s next big superstar

Moses Itauma flattened Dillian Whyte in the opening round to record a stunning statement victory and leave boxing stunned.

Itauma and Whyte met in a blockbuster all-British clash for the commonwealth title in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

It was the career-toughest test for 20-year-old rising star Itauma, who is emerging as one of the hottest properties in boxing.

The power-punching phenom was looking to make it 13 perfect professional wins against wise veteran Whyte.

Whyte was being written off by many in the boxing world, but having been in with the likes of Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury, was looking for his big break to thrust himself back into the world title mix.

Itauma was the fresher and younger fighter on paper, but looked completely natural as he made his ring walk for his biggest fight yet.

The mind games began before a punch was even thrown, as after a delay to keep Itauma waiting, Whyte came to the ring looking nonchalant and relaxed.

It was he who was looking to derail the hype train and upset the apple cart against the new kid on the block.

Itauma was used to getting his own way in the early stages of fights so far in his career, and that is exactly how it played out.

After just a minute and a half, Whyte was in trouble after a huge shot glanced the top of his rival’s head.

And Itauma picked his spot just moments later, landing further shots on Whyte and sending him staggering to the canvas.

The experienced Brixton native was all over the place on jelly legs and simply looked out of his depth.

Leigh Dawney / Queensberry

As he climbed to his feet the referee had no choice but to wave off the contest. 

Whyte complained but ultimately it saw him consigned to another defeat.

But it was truly the handing of the British heavyweight torch, with Itauma showing he is the real deal.

The young prodigy has been compared to the likes of Mike Tyson throughout his career.

And he ultimately showed exactly why he belongs on the biggest of stages and under the brightest of lights.

Who will Moses Itauma fight next after beating Dillian Whyte?

Many options will now likely emerge as to what is next for the talented heavyweight.

Leigh Dawney/Queensberry

Itauma is currently ranked No.1 by the WBO and is well placed to earn an imminent world title shot.

Fans believe he is ready to go for glory and take on current undisputed champion Oleksandr Usyk.

But WBO interim title holder Joseph Parker could first stand in his way.

And as to his next fight, Itauma clarified in his post-fight interview: “I’d like to say a big thank you to the Saudi crowd, English crowd and the crowd around the world.

“I want to say thankyou to the ‘Body Snatcher’ Dillian Whyte – it takes two to tango.

“What is next? I will fight anyone they put in front of me. [The crowd] are saying Usyk.

Leigh Dawney / Queensberry

“The team mentioned they want me to get some rounds out. Any of them can happen.”

Itauma has all the characteristics to go right to the top of the sport.

The likes of Joshua and Fury are commercial super powers, and Itauma will hope his quickfire KO is the breakthrough he needs to announce himself on the world stage.