Nigerian Heritage Integral to My Success – Itauma

A Fast-Rising Star

Moses Itauma’s rise in the boxing arena has been rapid. The heavyweight sensation, who celebrated his 21st birthday in December, grappled with his sense of identity for much longer. However, a visit to Nigeria towards the end of last year, the homeland of his father, illuminated the significance of his African roots.

“This extends beyond boxing; it’s part of my life,” Itauma shared with BBC Sport Africa following his trip to Akwa Ibom state in southeastern Nigeria.

“Many questions I have can be answered in my father’s village. Why do I think the way I do? What is the reason behind my appearance?”

Though he competes under a British banner and was born in Slovakia to a Slovakian mother, Itauma faced racial abuse while living there as a child. Now, as he gears up for his rescheduled match against American Jermaine Franklin on March 28 in Manchester, he reflects on how his first trip to Nigeria in over ten years instilled a deep sense of belonging, difficult for him to fully express.

“I really can’t articulate it. Something inside me felt thankful just to be there.”

A Memorable Arrival

It’s easy to overlook Itauma’s youth. While he may not be the tallest contender in the heavyweight division, his hefty physique radiates strength. Since his debut as a professional in January 2023, he has amassed an impressive record of 13 wins, with 11 coming by way of knockout, including a noteworthy first-round victory over Dillian Whyte in Saudi Arabia last August.

His candid manner of speaking is as direct as the punches he throws, yet there’s a clear sense of pride—and perhaps astonishment—when he recounts his experience upon arriving in Nigeria.

The security personnel at Murtala Muhammed Airport in Lagos were eager to engage with the self-proclaimed “modern-day gladiator,” inquiring about his nationality upon noticing his championship belts.

“I told them, ‘Yes, my father is Nigerian.'” Itauma remembered. “[They said] ‘We’re proud of you.'”

“They were unaware of my backstory, of what my family and I had faced. But just knowing that I share Nigerian roots and am succeeding made them proud. That’s something I’ve rarely encountered elsewhere.”

The difference between responses in Slovakia and Nigeria struck him profoundly.

“I told my mother, ‘No one in Slovakia even congratulated me with a handshake.’ I visit Nigeria and get a warm reception. My mom noted, ‘That’s true Nigerians; they are inherently joyful and grateful.'”

A Broader Connection

Itauma is not alone in seeking ties to his heritage. Anthony Joshua, with a tattoo of the African continent on his arm, has made multiple trips to his parents’ homeland, albeit with a tragic incident on his most recent visit.

Another Olympian, Lawrence Okolie, hosted his own boxing event in Lagos, indicating that he believes more fighters from the UK will follow suit and step into the ring in Nigeria.

“Itauma completely agrees, stating he was ‘pleasantly surprised’ by the quality of production during a local fight night he attended.

But are there commercial advantages to these efforts?

Not according to Remi Aboderin, general secretary of the Nigeria Boxing Board of Control and president of the West Africa Boxing Union, who accompanied Itauma during his visit.

“There’s not much profit to be made here in Nigeria,” Aboderin stated. “These fighters are coming to broaden the Nigerian professional boxing scene, bringing in funds through their sponsors to uplift both themselves and local boxers. They aim to connect with their Nigerian heritage.”

However, the fact that Itauma’s return was captured and marketed by a Nigerian betting company raises questions about motivations beyond mere altruism.

The Impact of Heritage

Regardless of the underlying factors, the “vibrancy” of Nigeria has deeply affected Itauma. “I don’t mean to compare, as each nation is exceptional, but after visiting Nigeria, I needed several days of rest. I just stayed in bed,” shared the Commonwealth champion.

Itauma, who aims to become a world champion one day, reflects on a pivotal moment from his childhood in Chatham, southeast England, following his move from Slovakia.

“I once asked my secondary school teacher what it meant to be Black in Kent.”

“He explained that in this country, take Anthony Joshua as an example. When he excels, he is seen as British. But if he loses, he’s labeled a Nigerian boxer. In Nigeria, he is embraced no matter the outcome.”

“I believe Nigerian fighters realize this, and they seek to reconnect with their homeland.”

With a victory over Jermaine Franklin in the near future, Itauma could be on the brink of a world title shot, likely receiving substantial support from Nigeria in the process.

With supplementary reporting from Isaiah Akinremi in Lagos.

Related Topics

• Africa Sport
• Boxing