Boxers Itauma and Whyte face off ahead of Riyadh heavyweight clash

RIYADH: British heavyweight boxers Moses Itauma and compatriot Dillian Whyte came face to face in Riyadh on Thursday ahead of their bout at the ANB Arena on Saturday.

Whyte told his opponent: “Good luck to you, man, and I hope we both leave the ring safe and healthy,” to which 20-year-old Itauma replied: “Thank you.”

Itauma — who has a professional record of 12 wins, 10 of them by a knockout, and no losses — said he would not underestimate Whyte, adding: “We are all heavyweights here and any fight can end at any moment. I’m fully aware of the threat (he) poses.”

The fight marks a return to the ring for 37-year-old Whyte (31-3, with 21 knockouts) after a layoff with a hand injury. The official weigh-in is on Friday.

The undercard on Saturday includes a WBA world title featherweight bout between Nick Ball and Sam Goodman, and a super featherweight matchup between Ray Ford and Abraham Nova.

The event is part of the wider entertainment surrounding the ongoing Esports World Cup, which continues in the Saudi capital until August 24.