ESports Fight Week Preview

Written by Amy Tuscher

Itauma vs. Whyte: The Main Event Preview

On Saturday, August 16, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, boxing fans will witness a clash of generations as the rising heavyweight star Moses Itauma (12-0, 10 KOs) takes on the seasoned veteran and former world title challenger Dillian "The Body Snatcher" Whyte (31-3, 21 KOs).

This fight, will be a major step up for the 20-year-old Itauma, in a bout that will either catapult the young prodigy to the next level or prove that the 37-year-old Whyte still has something left in the tank.

Itauma, a slick, fast, southpaw, has blazed a trail through the heavyweight division since his professional debut in January 2023. He has looked sensational in his 12 fights, with a remarkable 10 wins coming by knockout. The question, however, is whether he's ready for a fighter with the experience and grit of Whyte. Itauma has yet to be truly tested and has never gone beyond six rounds.

Whyte, on the other hand, has a career defined by wars. He's been in the ring with the likes of Anthony Joshua, Tyson Fury, and Joseph Parker, and he's a master of making a fight messy and grinding down his opponents.

While some believe he is "washed up," Whyte has recently been looking in arguably the best shape of his career and looks happy to take the underdog role. He's a dangerous opponent for anyone, and his experience could be the deciding factor if Itauma can't get him out of there early.

This fight is a high-stakes affair for both men. For Itauma, it's a chance to prove the hype is real and announce himself as a legitimate contender. For Whyte, it's a shot at redemption and an opportunity to show that he's still a relevant force in the heavyweight division. The outcome will be a defining moment in both of their careers.

Undercard and Main Card Highlights

The "Esports World Cup Fight Week" card is stacked with compelling matchups:

 Nick Ball vs. Sam Goodman: In a must-see featherweight title bout, undefeated WBA champion Nick Ball defends his belt for the third time against fellow unbeaten fighter Sam Goodman. This promises to be a high-octane affair between two of the best at 126 pounds.

🔥 Background & Stakes

• Nick Ball (22-0-1, 13 KOs) is defending his WBA featherweight crown for the third time. Known for his relentless pressure and compact power, the 5'2" Liverpudlian has become a fan favourite for his explosive style.
• Sam Goodman (20-0, 8 KOs), a former super bantamweight contender, is moving up in weight after a turbulent year. His planned mega-fight with Naoya Inoue was derailed when sparring partner Brad Strand cut him badly, costing him a $1 million payday and forcing a long recovery.

🧠 Mind Games & Training Drama

Adding spice to the narrative: Brad Strand, the very man who injured Goodman, is now in Ball’s corner helping him prepare. Ball has acknowledged the advantage of having insider knowledge from Strand’s time with Goodman, though he insists he’s not focused on past injuries.

Filip Hrgovic vs. David Adeleye: A clash of heavy-handed heavyweights, Filip Hrgovic and David Adeleye will battle it out in a fight that is unlikely to go the distance. Both men possess serious knockout power, making this an explosive matchup.

• Hrgovic
• Adeleye enters with momentum but questions. His last win was marred by controversy, as he stopped Tshikeva after a referee-enforced break. A rematch was ordered, but Adeleye opted for a bigger challenge in Hrgovic.

🧠 What’s at Stake

• For Hrgovic, this is a chance to stay relevant in the heavyweight elite and push for another title shot.
• For Adeleye, it’s a massive step up—a chance to prove he belongs among the division’s best after setbacks like his KO loss to Fabio Wardley in 2023.

Ray Ford vs. Abraham Nova: This super featherweight contest features two skilled fighters looking to climb the ladder. Ford, a former world champion, will be looking to get back to the top, while Nova is a tough challenger with a solid record.

🔥 What’s at Stake

• Ford, ranked in the top 5 across all major sanctioning bodies, is looking to solidify his position after bouncing back from a split-decision loss to Nick Ball in 2024.
• Nova, with a higher KO ratio and more experience, sees this as a golden opportunity to re-enter the title conversation.

🧠 Recent Form

• Ford: UD win vs Thomas Mattice (April 2025), UD win vs Orlando Gonzalez Ruiz, SD loss vs Nick Ball
• Nova: RTD win vs German Ivan Merez (June 2025), KO win vs William Encarnacion

Hayato Tsutsumi vs. Qais Ashfaq: In another super featherweight showdown, the unbeaten Japanese prospect Hayato Tsutsumi faces off against the experienced Qais Ashfaq from England. This is a chance for Tsutsumi to continue his rise through the ranks.

🔥 Storylines & Stakes

• Tsutsumi enters as the undefeated favourite, ranked in the top 10 by both the WBA and IBF. His sharp footwork, timing, and finishing instincts have made him one of Japan’s most promising exports.
• Ashfaq, a former Commonwealth silver medallist and Olympian, has had a rocky pro career. After a draw with Levi Giles and a stoppage loss to Masood Abdulah, he’s looking to reignite his career with what he calls “the biggest moment of his life.”

Ashfaq believes Tsutsumi’s team made a mistake picking him, saying, “I’m not making up the numbers in Riyadh. I’ll turn Hayato Tsutsumi over”.

🧠 Activity Check

• Tsutsumi has fought three times in the past 14 months, averaging 4.7 rounds per fight.
• Ashfaq has only fought three times in nearly six years, averaging 8 rounds per bout.

Images from Instagram @Queensburypromotions