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Nigeria’s Independence Day celebrations gained extra punch this year as Bet9ja hosted its brand ambassador and rising heavyweight sensation, Moses Itauma, in Lagos.
The 20-year-old British-Nigerian, unbeaten in 13 professional fights with 11 knockouts, returned to his ancestral homeland for the first time, receiving a hero’s welcome that blended sporting pride with cultural significance. Ranked 10th globally by Ring Magazine, Itauma is being tipped as one of the brightest prospects in world boxing.
At a press conference held at the Marriott Hotel, Ikeja, Ben Cov, CMO Logifuture hailed Itauma as the future of the heavyweight division.
“Moses represents the future of boxing. His spectacular performances in the ring have proven time and again that he is on course to dominate the world boxing scene,” the representative said. “We are proud to bring to Nigeria one of the most exciting athletes in the world.”
The company stressed that his visit went beyond boxing. “His arrival marks a celebration of heritage. Over the coming days, he will appear at Bet9ja’s Chaos in the Ring event. It’s about reconnecting him with his Nigerian roots and giving Nigerians the chance to see the star we believe will define the future of heavyweight boxing.”
Itauma, whose father hails from Lagos and Akwa Ibom, struggled to contain his emotions as he spoke about his homecoming.
“I just want to say I feel very welcomed. There’s something about Nigeria that I’ve never experienced anywhere else in my life of travelling,” he said. He recalled a moving encounter on arrival: “A security guard at the airport saw my belts and asked if they were mine. When I told her yes, and that my father is Nigerian, she said, ‘We’re proud of you.’ That moment touched me deeply. I’m just glad to be home.”
Determined to forge his own legacy, Itauma distanced himself from constant comparisons with past champions. “Mike Tyson, Evander Holyfield, Anthony Joshua, they’ve all set their paths. But I want to set my own career. I want to be original, not somebody else.”
Itauma also spoke about his passion for youth development in Nigeria. “It has always been about developing young athletes and supporting untapped talent. That’s why I’m here,” he said.
As part of his visit, Itauma will tour a grassroots boxing facility in Lagos with plans to renovate and relaunch it during a future trip. The initiative, supported by the Bet9ja Foundation, forms part of wider efforts to create opportunities for Nigerian youth in sports.
Looking ahead, Itauma said every fight is part of his journey. “Any fight, whatever the scenario, is always a win-win. Even if there’s a setback, the experience I gain is tremendous. It’s all part of going to the next level.”
For Itauma, his first visit to Nigeria has already become more than just a professional engagement. It is a reconnection with his roots, a celebration of his identity, and an opportunity to inspire the next generation of Nigerian athletes.
