Rising heavyweight boxer Moses Itauma has been named the Breakthrough Athlete of the Year at the 2025 British Sports Awards, a recognition that crowns an extraordinary year for the British-Nigerian fighter.
Moses Itauma, 20, has become one of the most talked-about young names in world boxing. His flawless professional record now stands at 13 wins with 11 knockouts, and his biggest moment came in August when he floored Dillian Whyte in the first round of their bout in Saudi Arabia. The stunning win sent a strong message across the heavyweight division, marking him out as a future world title contender.
His promoter, Frank Warren, was quick to celebrate the achievement, writing on Facebook, “Congratulations to Moses Itauma on achieving the Breakthrough Athlete of the Year award. SJA British Sports Awards 2025.”
Itauma, who fights under Queensberry Promotions, will return to the ring on January 24 when he faces American heavyweight Jermaine Franklin at the Co-op Live Arena in Manchester. Franklin has gone the distance with both Anthony Joshua and Whyte. He has never been knocked out in his 26 professional fights, making the upcoming contest one of Itauma’s biggest challenges yet.
The fast-rising boxer recently made his first visit to Nigeria, where he joined the celebrations marking Nigeria’s 65th Independence Day. He was also a special guest at the “Chaos in the Ring” boxing event at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena in Lagos on October 1, where fans turned out in large numbers to welcome him.
The awards night also celebrated several other sporting achievements. Teen footballer Michelle Agyemang won the women’s Breakthrough Athlete of the Year after scoring on her England debut within 41 seconds and helping the Lionesses reach the Euro 2025 final.
Golf legend Rory McIlroy was honoured as Sportsman of the Year after another brilliant season that included his Masters victory and Ryder Cup success. Chloe Kelly was named Sportswoman of the Year for her contributions to England’s Euro title defence, while the Lionesses were voted Sports Team of the Year. Goalkeeper Hannah Hampton received the SJA President’s Award for her consistent excellence at both club and international levels.
