Boxing

Mike Tyson’s youngest heavyweight record – Patterson vs. Itauma debate heats up

Published

1 year ago

October 15, 2025

Rising British heavyweight Moses Itauma may challenge Kubrat Pulev for the WBA Regular title in December 2025, with the goal of breaking Mike Tyson’s youngest heavyweight record and sparking debate about Floyd Patterson’s legacy.

The WBA has ordered Kubrat Pulev to defend his secondary crown against Itauma, opening the door to a potentially significant achievement for the rising British star – if negotiations are successful.

In the fight, which is likely to take place on December 13, 2025 in Manchester, Itauma will headline Derek Chisora’s farewell card if promoter Frank Warren manages to strike a deal with Pulev and Epic Sports.

However, even if Itauma secures the WBA Regular heavyweight belt two weeks before his 21st birthday, the feat could be controversial. Pulev is a minor champion, a title many fans and media consider diluted due to the WBA’s long-standing practice of recognizing multiple champions in one division.

History suggests that debate over whether Itauma’s achievement lives up to the validity of former heavyweight legends is inevitable.

Don King vs. Epic Sports: Pulev vs. Hunter Fallout

Promotor Don King nalegał, aby jego wcześniej ogłoszona walka pomiędzy Kubratem Pulewem a Michaelem Hunterem, która odbędzie się 4 października w Casino Miami, będzie kontynuowana. King vowed to take legal action against any party trying to block the fight, even though Hunter claimed he was in free agent status and was considering a match with Jarrell Miller during Canelo vs. Crawford fight week.

“They’re trying to destroy Michael Hunter’s career,” King said. “Epic Sports continues to spread lies and false statements. This fight will continue!”

Meanwhile, Pulev’s team at Epic Sports questioned the feasibility of the fight, highlighting growing promoter conflicts in heavyweight boxing. Epic Sports stwierdziło:

“Following the recent confirmation of Hunter’s fight against Jarrell Miller and the ongoing legal dispute with Don King Productions, the WBA has withdrawn the award. Pulev is no longer obligated to fight Hunter and is cleared to make his first title defense against any WBA-ranked challenger voluntarily.

King maintains his legendary reputation for fighting for the rights of his players, insisting the fight is not over yet, even though Pulev’s team has signaled it may take a different path.

The legal battle may still impact whether Moses Itauma gets crack, but even if he does, it will open another can of worms.

Itauma, who began his professional career in 2023, initially wanted to break Mike Tyson’s record as the youngest heavyweight champion, but ran out of time. Jednak w sytuacji, gdy Pulew posiadał drugi tytuł WBA, każde kolejne zwycięstwo po nieudanej próbie bicia rekordu wywołałoby debatę na temat tego, czy osiągnięcie to zasługuje na historyczne porównanie.

If Itauma wins the WBA Regular title, he will be younger than Floyd Patterson, who won the NBA/NYSAC crown at the age of 21 years, 10 months and 26 days. Critics will argue that Pulev’s title shot lacks the prestige of the Tyson or Patterson era.

To nie jest wina Itaumy; that’s what happens when second-rate titles muddy the waters.

The WBA Regular heavyweight title has a checkered and controversial history. Since its inception in 2011, it has caused a stir among fans and boxers alike.

2011: Alexander Povetkin vs. Ruslan Chagaev punished for inaugural Regular title

2013: WBA allowed Wladimir Klitschko to unify the belts while keeping the regular title holders in the game

The following years: interim titles, legal disputes and multiple champions weakened the championship

WBN consistently reports on the tumultuous approach of the WBA. WBA zniosła tytuły tymczasowe dopiero po ujawnieniu zarzutów o stronnicze sędziowanie, jednak tytuły drugorzędne i regularne nadal się utrzymują, myląc porównania historyczne i postrzeganie fanów.

For comparison, here is a list of the youngest heavyweight champions.

Gold champion: Michael Hunter

The debate over Itauma’s record is about more than statistics – it’s about credibility. Can a minor title legally rewrite history? WBN twierdzi, że odpowiedź nie jest prosta.

About the author

Phil Jay is with over obejmujące globalną scenę walki. How Since 2010, editor-in-chief of World Boxing News (WBN).Jay has interviewed dozens of world champions and the most crucial boxing evenings in the ring were reported.

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Boxing

Tony Bellews Bold KO Prediction for Dubois vs Wardley 2: Yep, I Said It

Published

5 hours ago

October 17, 2026

The Punch Junkie™ News

Tony Bellew's Bold KO Prediction for Dubois vs Wardley 2: "Yep, I Said It"

Tony Bellew is going against the grain for tonight’s Daniel Dubois vs Fabio Wardley rematch.

The pair meet again just five months on from their thrilling first encounter, with Dubois now WBO champion having won the belt from Wardley via eleventh round stoppage.

After surviving two early knockdowns, the Londoner – who is now in his second stint as heavyweight titlist – took over the contest with a solid jab setting up thudding attacks that exhausted Wardley.

Though the Ipswich man stayed on his feet throughout, referee Howard Foster waved it off as the punishment because too much.

It is how the fight ended, and those last few rounds in which Dubois was largely dominating, that make him a strong favourite to retain his belt.

Giving his prediction to the BBCformer cruiserweight world champion Bellew backed Wardley to have success early again, but capitalise fully this time and end it.

“I’m going to be the difference. I am going to back Fabio Wardley by knockout within six rounds. Yep, I said [it]. I’m going for Fab within six.”

Dubois was on the canvas within ten seconds last time out, and took a knee in the third when hurt again.

Bellew has questioned Dubois’ resolve in the past, pointing to his stoppage loss to Joe Joyce as proof that there is a point he can be pushed to that he is not willing to go beyond. Many, however, will look to the first Wardley performance and disagree.

Both men recorded the highest weights of their careers on the scalessuggesting that neither will be changing the gameplan to a more measured affair, rather looking to engage in round 13 from the off tonight at London’s O2.

Boxing

Peter Fury Shares Final Thoughts on Daniel Dubois vs Fabio Wardley 2: I Still Think That

Published

6 hours ago

October 17, 2026

The Punch Junkie™ News

Peter Fury Shares Final Thoughts on Daniel Dubois vs Fabio Wardley 2: "I Still Think That"

Top trainer Peter Fury has offered his expert analysis on the rematch between Daniel Dubois and Fabio Wardley, believing it is still a 50/50 fight.

Others, meanwhile, will argue that Dubois should be made a considerable favourite, based on how he was able to dismantle Wardley in their first encounter.

In order to do so, the ‘Dynamite’ puncher was compelled to climb off the canvas in rounds one and three, having been put down by blows to the top of his head.

Proceedings then became a little one-sided as Dubois, utilising his fundamentals, managed to score an 11th-round finish with his thudding jab and superior footwork.

Wardley, however, wasted little time before activating the rematch clause in their contract and, in turn, securing the chance to reclaim his WBO title at London’s O2 Arena tomorrow evening.

Many will argue that such a swift turnaround could lead to his downfall while, due to his power and toughness, others would suggest that the 31-year-old is always dangerous, no matter the opponent standing across from him.

As such, coach Fury has told Boxing King Media that, while Dubois is rightfully brimming with confidence, it would be foolish to entirely dismiss Wardley’s attributes.

“I think it’s a great heavyweight fight – Dubois has got heavy hands and a good jab as well, so it’ll be interesting.

“You’ve got to say Wardley’s got it all to do, because the confidence of Dubois will be high. And if Dubois’ super confident, he’s a problem.

“But let’s see – Wardley was able to hurt Dubois early on. I still think that fight is a 50/50 fight.”

If he emerges victorious against Wardley, then Dubois will likely be targeting a unification match with Agit Kabayel or Filip Hrgovic in 2027.

Boxing

Daniel Dubois vs Fabio Wardley 2: Round-by-Round Live Updates and Results

Published

8 hours ago

October 17, 2026

The Punch Junkie™ News

Daniel Dubois vs Fabio Wardley 2: Round-by-Round Live Updates and Results

Daniel Dubois will face Fabio Wardley in a rematch of a heavyweight slugfest from earlier this year, with Dubois defending the WBO heavyweight title he took from Wardley on that night.

Live coverage will kick off at 2 pm ET, and we’ll have results and updates during the four-fight, main card undercard, then live, round-by-round scoring and updates for the main event itself.

How to watch Dubois vs Wardley 2

Start time: 2:00 pm ET for main card, prelims begin at 11:00 am ET

Streaming: DAZN (Ultimate subscription or Pay-Per-View)

PPV Cost: As a standalone, one-off purchase Pay-Per-View, the price is $59.99 (or £24.99). With DAZN’s Ultimate tier, the show is included as part of your subscription.

Location: O2 Arena – London, England