British-Nigerian heavyweight boxer, Moses Itauma, has attributed his rapid rise in boxing to a renewed connection with his Nigerian roots, describing a recent visit to the country as a turning point in his personal and professional journey.
The 21-year-old fighter, who was born in Slovakia to a Slovak mother and Nigerian father, said a trip to Akwa Ibom State late last year helped him better understand his identity and gave him a sense of belonging he had long sought.
Speaking with BBC Sport Africa, Itauma said the visit went beyond boxing, noting that many of the questions he had about himself were tied to his father’s homeland and cultural background.
Despite representing Great Britain in the ring, the rising heavyweight revealed he had struggled with identity issues while growing up, including experiencing racial abuse during his childhood in Slovakia.
He said his arrival in Nigeria was met with warmth and acceptance, recalling how airport officials at Murtala Muhammed Airport in Lagos expressed pride in him simply because of his Nigerian heritage.
According to him, the reception was in sharp contrast to his experience in Europe, where he said he rarely received such recognition or encouragement despite his achievements.
Itauma, who boasts an unbeaten professional record with 13 victories, including 11 knockouts, has quickly emerged as one of boxing’s brightest prospects since making his debut in 2023.
His most recent victory came in August last year, when he stopped Dillian Whyte in the first round during a bout in Saudi Arabia.
Ahead of his scheduled fight against American boxer Jermaine Franklin in Manchester on March 28, the young fighter said his Nigerian experience has further motivated him to pursue greatness in the sport.
Itauma also expressed support for the growing trend of British-Nigerian fighters reconnecting with their roots, citing the examples of Anthony Joshua and Lawrence Okolie, who have both engaged with Nigeria’s boxing scene in recent years.
Officials in Nigeria’s boxing community say such visits are not driven by financial gains but are aimed at developing the sport locally and strengthening ties between diaspora athletes and their heritage.
Reflecting on his experience, Itauma said the energy and environment in Nigeria left a lasting impression on him, adding that it took him several days to recover from the excitement of the trip.
He further shared how a conversation with a teacher during his school days in the United Kingdom shaped his understanding of identity, particularly how athletes of African descent are often perceived differently depending on their performance.
The young boxer noted that, unlike in some Western countries, Nigerian athletes enjoy unwavering support at home regardless of results, a factor he believes is drawing many fighters back to their roots.
With his career on a steady rise, Itauma said he remains focused on achieving world title success, expressing confidence that he will continue to receive strong backing from Nigerians as his journey progresses.
