Moses Itauma and Dillian Whyte looked sharp at the Riyadh weigh-in, locking in a 10-round (or less) heavyweight test with real jeopardy. Whyte hit 244.1lbs, lean and focused; Itauma came in around 235lbs after a 12-week camp, stressing there’s “utmost respect” for Whyte - but business is business. The veteran aims to snatch a prime scalp; the 20-year-old phenom tries to prove the hype is substance.
The undercard brings title heat. Nick Ball, the UK’s lone remaining male world champion, vowed an all-action WBA featherweight defense, while Sam Goodman promised “surprises” if he executes. At 154, little split Filip Hrgovic and David Adeleye on the scales - but the experience gap looms large. Hrgovic looked mean and ready; Adeleye pledged to leave it all in the ring as he hits true world-class for the first time.
Watch the official weigh-in highlights: Watch
Mind games at 126: Raymond Ford tried to rattle Abraham Nova, who smiled it off, saving his edge for the bell. The winner circles IBF ruler Eduardo “Sugar” Nunez - another reason that featherweight clash could steal a slice of the spotlight.
Bottom line: numbers are in, nerves are out. Riyadh’s runway is clear for heavyweight answers - and a card stacked with fights that can change careers overnight.
Image Credit: Queensberry