The Saudi capital, Riyadh, today (Thursday) hosted the official press conference for the heavyweight showdown between young British contender Moses Itauma and veteran Dillian Whyte, scheduled to take place next Saturday at anb Arena as part of the Esports World Cup events, in front of a large crowd of fans and media representatives.
During the press conference, Dillian Whyte addressed his opponent Moses Itauma directly, saying: “Good luck to you, man, and I hope we both leave the ring safe and healthy,” to which the young boxer replied, “Thank you,” in a gesture reflecting mutual respect despite the expected intensity of the bout.
Responding to journalists’ questions about the possibility of an early finish, Moses Itauma said: “We are all heavyweights here, and any fight can end at any moment. I’m not delusional, and I’m fully aware of the threat Dillian Whyte poses, so I will not underestimate him and will treat him with complete seriousness.”
Itauma enters the fight with a perfect record of 20 wins without defeat (10 by knockout), while Whyte boasts 31 victories (21 by knockout) against 3 losses, returning to the ring after a layoff due to a hand injury.
This fight will be part of a global evening packed with matchups, including the lightweight clash between Nick Ball and Sam Goodman, and WBA featherweight champion Ray Ford’s bout against Puerto Rican Abraham Nova, in addition to other high-level heavyweight and technical contests for boxing fans.
At the end of the press conference, the venue witnessed the first face-off between Moses Itauma and Dillian Whyte, as the two fighters stood face to face in an electrifying moment that reflected the tension and anticipation ahead of Saturday night’s clash.
The official weigh-in is set to take place next Friday in Riyadh, where all participants in the event will have their weights measured according to approved regulations, 24 hours before the fights begin at anb Arena.
The tournament is part of the Esports World Cup, hosted in Riyadh from July 7 to August 24, with more than 2,000 players and 200 clubs competing for total prizes of $70 million, in an atmosphere combining digital entertainment with live combat sports.