British heavyweight Moses Itauma, born in Slovakia to Nigerian and Slovak parents and raised in Kent, faces Filip Hrgovic for the vacant IBF title on Saturday. At 21, Itauma seeks to become the second-youngest world heavyweight champion in history. His parents initially wanted him to be a doctor or lawyer but shifted focus after his brother turned pro and his talent emerged.

Itauma’s mother told him: 'Don't worry about school. Just focus on your boxing.' Trainer Ben Davison, who also worked with Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua, says Itauma handles pressure well: 'Pressure is a privilege.' Itauma has 31 professional rounds logged, one fight fewer than Joshua had when he won his first IBF title against Charles Martin. Victories over Dillian Whyte and Jermaine Franklin via stoppage have bolstered his case.

The title fight was elevated after Oleksandr Usyk vacated the IBF belt and Frank Sanchez stepped aside. Hrgovic has criticized Itauma’s fast-tracked path, claiming he was 'handed everything on a plate'. Itauma, who avoids media attention like Joshua, says he doesn’t want the limelight but feels compelled by expectations to carry British boxing’s flag.