British heavyweight sensation Moses Itauma acknowledges he is not always comfortable under the bright lights, but he said he is ready to come through a "long night" with Filip Hrgovic and embrace destiny.
Itauma, 21, from Chatham, was described as the hottest prospect in boxing by Queensberry promoter Frank Warren this week. Though Itauma is not entirely comfortable with stardom, he is ready to make history after it was announced Tuesday he would fight for the vacant IBF belt.
"I didn't really have no reaction," Itauma told British media on a video call Friday. "I was like, 'If I'm fighting Hrgovic and I've got the opportunity for it to be for a world title? Yeah, chuck a world title on the line.' I didn't really have a feeling.
"I was taking Hrgovic serious, and now that the fight is for a world title, I am still taking it serious. It is still the same fight.
"I just had an interview with BBC," he said, "and they asked me, 'What is the one thing that people don't know about Moses Itauma?' And I said, 'I don't actually want to be under the bright lights, but with the way I am going, it looks like I ain't got no choice.'
"I appreciate the compliment from Frank Warren. Do I agree? You know what it is, I feel like I am still developing the character, the person and the fighter I want to be, like a lot of people up there have.
Itauma added: "It is hard to ignore Jaron Ennis, Shakur Stevenson, they are all still young, so I wouldn't be able to say I could outshine them, if that makes sense."
That type of modest attitude has helped marry incredible talent with an elite work ethic and earned Itauma a world title shot in his 15th professional fight.
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A string of devastating knockouts have earned comparisons to American great Mike Tyson, but Teddy Atlas, the old trainer of ''Iron Mike,'' believes Itauma is even better at this age than his old fighter.
"Teddy Atlas said that, yeah? To be honest, I am pretty sure Teddy Atlas put a gun to Mike Tyson's head before, no? I just think he doesn't like Mike Tyson and is finding a way to dim his light," Itauma said, smiling.
"Look, I don't know, Teddy Atlas saying that, I do appreciate it.
"Tyson has had his career, and I am still making my career," Itauma said. "Of course, I set out the goal to become the youngest heavyweight world champion. I didn't achieve it, but I landed the Dillian Whyte fight, so it is step by step. What do they say? You shoot for the stars and land on the moon."
Itauma is under no illusions about the type of test Hrgovic will provide.
"Of course, he's a very good fighter," Itauma said. "He's only had one defeat, and he only lost because of the cut. Yeah, he's solid. I'm in for a long night, but I'll be all right.
"I took the necessary steps to get to this position. If I had fought Mariusz Wach into Filip Hrgovic, I might have found out or learned a couple of things that I might have not been ready for, whereas right now I feel I am in a good space."