MMA
Moses Itauma vs Mike Balogun Preview: Odds, Tips, and Prediction
Date: Saturday, 24 May 2025 Kickoff Time: 21:00 (UTC+1) Rounds: 10 Rounds | Heavyweight Venue: OVO Hydro, Glasgow, Scotland Broadcast: Live on DAZN SportsBoom lines up the heavyweight appetizer before Josh Taylor’s homecoming – and it’s a tasty one. Rising star Moses Itauma takes on Mike Balogun in a classic youth-vs-experience showdown. It’s the co-main for a reason. Itauma’s undefeated and charging toward the world level. Balogun? He’s been there, seen it, and KO’d most of it. If you like your fights spicy and your odds sharp, our online boxing betting page has you covered.
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Moses Itauma punches Kostiantyn Dovbyshchenko//Getty Images
Moses Itauma: Youth, Fire, and Ferocity
Moses Itauma has a job to do, and Mike Balogun is the man paid to stop him. It’s the kind of matchup that tests more than talent – it asks questions about composure, timing, and whether hype can handle the heat. Itauma’s rise has been rapid, but Balogun won’t be intimidated by youth or headlines. The American has seen plenty, hit harder than most, and still owns fight-ending power. If Itauma starts too fast, he risks walking into a trap. If he hesitates, he gives the veteran time to settle. This is less about records and more about how each man handles pressure. Itauma wants another viral finish. Balogun wants one last big win. It’s a classic collision of fresh ambition and fading but dangerous experience, and someone’s getting humbled.
Pre-Game Odds and Win Probability: Itauma Heavily Favoured
- Moses Itauma: 1/10 (1.10) – 90.9%
- Draw: 25/1 (26.00) – 3.8%
- Mike Balogun: 11/2 (6.50) – 15.4%
Odds courtesy of Stake, subject to change.
Bookies aren't giving Balogun much love, and you can see why. But for fans who enjoy tracking sharp shifts and spotting value angles, this one has a few moving parts. Youth, pressure, and power all lean Itauma’s way, but Balogun’s experience brings just enough uncertainty to keep things interesting. As always, the landscape can shift closer to fight night, and those keeping an eye on online betting trends will want to stay tuned for the latest movement.
Tale of the Tape
| Name | Moses Itauma | Mike Balogun |
| Age | 20 | 41 |
| Height | 6'6" (198 cm) | 6'1" (185 cm) |
| Last Fight Weight | 249.0 lbs (113.0 kg) | 235.0 lbs (106.6 kg) |
| Reach | 78.7” (200 cm) | 83.0” (211 cm) |
| Record | 11-0 (9 KOs) | 21-1 (17 KOs) |
| Last 5 Fights | W-W-W-W-W | W-L-W-W-W |
| Nationality | England | USA |
| Fighting Out Of | Chatham, Kent | Upper Marlboro, Maryland |
Itauma gives up reach but owns the youth, size, and speed categories. Balogun’s best chance is to make it ugly and hope something heavy lands before fatigue sets in.
Moses Itauma News
Moses Itauma enters this bout with momentum and a growing sense of inevitability surrounding his rise. He’s handled every test so far with a mix of power, maturity, and patience that belies his age. His December demolition of Dempsey McKean turned heads, not just for the speed of the knockout, but for the composure shown in the build-up and finish. His team has publicly called for longer fights and tougher opponents, and Balogun fits the bill. Camp insiders have reported a focus on discipline and conditioning – preparing Itauma to go the distance if needed. The goal here isn’t just to win, it’s to dominate — and silence any whispers that he’s only been beating up hand-picked opponents. A statement win in Glasgow would all but guarantee him a bigger name next.
Mike Balogun News
Mike Balogun sees this fight for exactly what it is, a chance to wreck the hype train. He’s been around too long to be fazed by a young, heavy-handed prospect, and he believes experience still counts for something. The old boy’s training camp has leaned heavily on short bursts of high-volume sparring to sharpen timing without exhausting an ageing frame. The win over Lamont Capers in March wasn’t super exciting, but it was needed after his devastating loss to Murat Gassiev where he got his lights shut out in round 2. Balogun isn’t coming to outbox Itauma; he’s coming to land something big and early, and either steal the crowd’s energy or shut it down completely. If Itauma shows any signs of overconfidence, Balogun will be ready to test his chin and his composure.
Suggested Bets
Itauma to Win by KO/TKO: The most straightforward path. Itauma doesn’t play with his food, and Balogun has already shown he can be stopped. The power gap here is significant. 2/9 (1.22) – 81.9%
Under 5.5 Rounds: While this is officially set for 10, most of Itauma’s fights haven’t made it past the second round. If he starts fast, this wraps early. 8/11 (1.73) – 57.9%
Fight Not to Go the Distance: Neither fighter is known for long tactical bouts. With one hunting a finish and the other relying on a big punch, this likely ends before the cards. 1/5 (1.20) – 83.3%
Value Bets
Itauma to Win in Round 3: Balogun’s experience could buy him a couple of minutes, but once Itauma finds his range, Round 3 looks like a sweet spot for the finish. 11/2 (6.50) – 15.4%
Balogun to Win by KO/TKO: His only real shot is to land something massive early. A risky punt, but if it hits, it hits big. 10/1 (11.00) – 9.1%
Itauma to Win in Rounds 1–2: If the southpaw gets into rhythm immediately, this could be over before the bell rings for Round 3. 7/4 (2.75) – 36.4%
Prediction: Itauma by KO
Balogun’s tough and savvy, but Itauma’s raw athleticism and fight IQ are levels above. Expect a couple of respectful early minutes followed by a clinical breakdown. The power, the speed, and the youth are too much to ignore, and by Round 3, it all comes crashing in. Moses Itauma to win via KO in Round 3. Balogun might show flashes of resistance early, but once Itauma starts letting his hands go, there’ll be no safe space. This ends the moment the youngster decides it does.
Joshua Gaillard is a freelance editor and dedicated Arsenal fan, known for creating fact-based, insightful content. His work, featured on top South African websites, blends analysis with engaging storytelling for clear, impactful articles.
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