Two talents of the century – Lamine Yamal inspires with the ball, Moses Itauma with his fists. But those who fly too early can also land hard.
While soccer phenomenon Lamine Yamal glides across Europe’s pitch at the age of just 17 and makes seasoned professionals look old in his maturity, the same question arises in boxing under completely different circumstances: When is a talent ready for the top? For Moses Itauma, the answer is: perhaps earlier than expected – but not too early.
The 20-year-old heavyweight is already being touted as “the new Tyson” in the UK – with 11 wins (9 knockouts) since 2023. However, the comparison with Mike Tyson is a misnomer – not because of his talent, but because of the lessons that the sport itself teaches. Because where Lamine Yamal shines in soccer with his technique, one thing is crucial in boxing: maturity, physicality and mentality.
Itauma will step into the ring next Saturday against Mike Balogun (21-1, 16 knockouts) – another step on the road to world class. But promoter Frank Warren knows that matchmaking is not a game here, but an art. If Itauma is pitted against “real” world-class fighters too early, there is a risk of a Dubois fate: lots of hype, little substance – and the end at the wrong moment.
What do Itauma and Yamal have in common? They are forcing their sports to rethink age limits. But while youth is allowed to triumph in soccer, in boxing every hasty decision is punished – with pain and defeat.
Text by Robin Josten