Former legend Roy Jones Jr said that Moses Itauma has one frightening similarity to Mike Tyson

The world of heavyweight boxing has always been filled with explosive personalities and unforgettable fighters. From Muhammad Ali to Lennox Lewis, from Mike Tyson to the current generation, the heavyweight division has produced some of the sport’s most iconic figures. Today, a new name is making waves across the boxing world—Moses Itauma. The young British heavyweight has been compared to none other than a prime Mike Tyson, and the person drawing this frightening comparison is legendary fighter Roy Jones Jr, who once shared the ring with Tyson himself.

Jones Jr, who fought Tyson in an exhibition bout in 2020, may not have faced the ferocious “Iron Mike” of the 1980s, but he still experienced the aura of one of boxing’s most feared men. Now, after watching Moses Itauma dismantle his opponents with terrifying speed and power, Jones Jr believes the young heavyweight carries the same aura of destruction that once made Mike Tyson unstoppable.

Who Is Moses Itauma?

Moses Itauma is one of the brightest rising stars in British boxing. Born in 2005, Itauma quickly rose through the amateur ranks before turning professional with high expectations. By the age of just 19, he had already become one of the most talked-about prospects in the heavyweight division.

Known for his southpaw stance, raw power, and fearless approach inside the ring, Itauma has been labeled a future world champion by many boxing insiders. He may have missed out on breaking Tyson’s record of becoming the youngest heavyweight champion in history—Tyson claimed the title at age 20 in 1986—but Itauma’s destructive performances have put him firmly on the radar as a serious contender for future dominance.

The Mike Tyson Comparison

Comparisons between Moses Itauma and Mike Tyson are not new. Tyson’s rise in the mid-1980s was nothing short of meteoric—37 straight victories without defeat, most of them ending in brutal knockouts. His combination of raw aggression, compact power punches, and an intimidating presence made him one of the most feared fighters in history.

Roy Jones Jr recently explained why he sees the same traits in Itauma:

“Moses reminds me of a young Mike Tyson. And the reason I say that is because, when you put someone in front of him who he can hit, they are going down. Dillian Whyte was a guy that could get hit, and he got him out of there. That is exactly how a young Mike Tyson rolled.”

This statement highlights what makes Itauma so frighteningly effective—his ability to seize opportunities and end fights early with devastating precision.

Moses Itauma’s Destructive Streak

Itauma’s professional career so far has been a showcase of knockout power. Fans have been particularly impressed with his ability to dispatch experienced fighters in the early rounds. His most recent and perhaps most impressive victory came against Dillian Whyte, a seasoned heavyweight with world-level experience.

In that fight, Itauma produced a brutal first-round knockout, proving that his power is not just hype but a genuine weapon against top-level opponents. For a 19-year-old to dismantle a fighter of Whyte’s caliber so quickly was a statement that sent shockwaves throughout the boxing community.

This performance echoed Tyson’s early career, where he frequently demolished opponents before they had the chance to adjust. Just like Tyson, Itauma thrives on overwhelming his opponents with speed, aggression, and relentless power.

Roy Jones Jr’s Unique Perspective

Few voices carry as much authority in boxing as Roy Jones Jr. A four-division world champion and one of the most skilled fighters to ever step into the ring, Jones Jr has seen and experienced nearly everything in the sport. His exhibition match with Tyson in 2020 gave him firsthand insight into the legendary heavyweight’s enduring power and presence.

When Jones Jr draws parallels between Moses Itauma and Tyson, it’s not just empty hype—it’s a considered evaluation from a man who knows the danger of facing a heavyweight knockout artist. His words add credibility to the growing belief that Itauma could become the next big superstar of the heavyweight division.

The Psychological Factor: Aura of Destruction

One of the most frightening aspects of Mike Tyson in his prime was not just his skill or his power, but his aura of destruction. Opponents often looked beaten before the first punch was thrown, intimidated by Tyson’s ferocity and presence.

Moses Itauma seems to be developing a similar reputation. Fighters step into the ring with him knowing that his knockout record speaks for itself, and that kind of mental edge is invaluable. When a fighter combines raw power with psychological dominance, the results can be devastating.

Just like Tyson, Itauma does not waste time in the ring. He closes the distance quickly, throws compact punches, and capitalizes on openings with ruthless efficiency. For fans, this style makes him one of the most exciting prospects to watch. For opponents, it makes him a nightmare.

Can Moses Itauma Replicate Tyson’s Success?

While comparisons to Tyson are flattering, they also come with enormous pressure. Mike Tyson wasn’t just a knockout artist—he became the youngest heavyweight champion in history and a global icon. Replicating that level of success requires more than just power; it requires resilience, discipline, and the ability to adapt against the very best.

Moses Itauma is still at the beginning of his professional journey, but the early signs are promising. He has youth on his side, a strong amateur background, and a growing fan base eager to see him rise. The key will be how he handles tougher opposition, longer fights, and opponents who refuse to be intimidated.

If Itauma can continue his destructive streak while developing his technical skills and ring IQ, there is every reason to believe he can reach the pinnacle of the heavyweight division.

The Future of Heavyweight Boxing

The heavyweight division is currently stacked with talent—fighters like Tyson Fury, Oleksandr Usyk, Anthony Joshua, and Deontay Wilder continue to dominate headlines. However, with many of these stars closer to the end of their careers than the beginning, boxing fans are already looking toward the next generation.

Moses Itauma stands out as one of the most exciting prospects in this new wave. His youth, combined with his frightening knockout power, positions him as a fighter who could eventually carry the division into the future.

If Itauma continues to perform at his current level, he could find himself in title contention sooner than expected. And if he delivers on the promise of becoming the “next Mike Tyson,” the sport of boxing will once again have a heavyweight who can capture the imagination of fans worldwide.

Conclusion: A Frightening Parallel Between Itauma and Tyson

When Roy Jones Jr says that Moses Itauma has one frightening similarity to Mike Tyson, the boxing world listens. Itauma’s explosive style, destructive knockouts, and aura of intimidation are all reminiscent of a young Tyson in the 1980s.

While it remains to be seen if Itauma can match Tyson’s achievements, the comparison itself speaks volumes about his potential. At just 19 years old, Itauma has already begun carving his path in the heavyweight division, leaving a trail of destruction behind him.

For fans of boxing, the rise of Moses Itauma offers a thrilling glimpse of the future. If his career continues along its current trajectory, he may not only live up to the comparisons with Tyson but also forge a legendary legacy of his own.