‘Texts at 2am’ – Moses Itauma trainer reveals frightening similarity to Mike Tyson

Ben Davison believes Moses Itauma's biggest similarity to Mike Tyson is his drive to study and live for boxing.

Itauma has forever been compared to heavyweight icon Tyson since turning professional, largely down to his explosive punch power and technical ability.

The Briton also looked on course to break Tyson's record of becoming the youngest ever world champion in the famous division, but has now missed the deadline.

Nonetheless, the mercurial young talent is moving forwards at a rate of knots with his time in the paid ranks, now holding a record of 12-0.

Boxing icon Carl Frampton suggested to talkSPORT that Itauma has faster hands than the legendary American ever had in his armoury.

And when reacting to those comments, Itauma's coach Davison believes there are easy comparisons to be made given their age.

He explained on the latest episode of talkBOXING: "I think it's great for building hype [comparisons to Tyson].

"Probably the biggest comparison to him is how much Tyson loved the game and would always study fighters of the past.

"Moses also has the same love for it. We'll send him sparring and he will sending us texts of clips at 2am asking if this is what we want instead.

"That and along with his maturity at that age, it is incredible. That is what is allowing him to achieve this all at such a young age.

"There is lots of talented fighters out there but there isn't many who can execute it like this."

Tyson was one of the most ferocious and feared fighters of all-time.

The American legend achieved everything he set out to in the sport, reigning as undisputed champion in his prepotent prime.

He had the benefits of sharing the ring with some epic dance partners including Lennox Lewis, Larry Holmes and Evander Holyfield.

Itauma will have been a monumental success if he even achieves a fraction of the great Tyson in the ring.

But he appears to be on track to become a superstar and a huge success story.

Next up will come the biggest test of his career so far in the shape of Dillian Whyte, an experienced fighter with a big name.

The showdown will take place in Saudi Arabia on August 16, and could see Itauma make his splash at the fringes of world level.

And talkSPORT's Spencer Oliver believes this is a perfect step-up in class, one which he will pass with flying colours.

“You get the feeling this is a passing of the baton type fight for the heavyweights," he said.

“The younger generation is coming through and now making that jump and taking those chances. It is a massive step up.

“They feel this is the right timing now for Dillian Whyte, who has not looked particularly good.

“We are seeing the younger generation now coming through, and is it a changing of the times?”

“We will find out just how good he is on the 16th of August when he boxes Dillian Whyte. I think he wins it and wins it in style.”