Heavyweight boxing sensation, Moses Itauma, has expressed his delight at being in Nigeria, describing his homecoming as an emotional experience unlike anything he has encountered in his years of travelling, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.

The 20-year-old British-Nigerian, who is ranked 10th by Ring Magazine in the heavyweight division, spoke at a press conference held at the Marriott Hotel in Ikeja, Lagos State, on Wednesday.

Itauma recounted a moving encounter at the airport that encapsulated the warmth of his reception.

“I just want to say I felt very welcomed. I feel like there’s something that I’ve experienced here that I’ve never experienced in my short years of travelling. For example, I was at the airport yesterday and the security guard asked me if these belts were mine. And I said yes. And she was like, ‘Are you Nigerian?’ And I said, my father’s Nigerian. She said, ‘We’re proud of you,” Itauma said.

“And she didn’t even know my story. So that’s one thing that I can say. I really appreciate every single one of you for coming out. And I’m glad to be home.”

The unbeaten heavyweight, who boasts a 13-0 record with 11 knockouts, is in Nigeria courtesy of sports betting brand Bet9ja, for whom he serves as an ambassador. This marks Itauma’s first return to his ancestral home.

It was revealed at the press conference that a segment of his partnership is dedicated to the Bet9ja Foundation and some initiatives that will be carried out across the multi-year partnership.

One of the initiatives will see Itauma visit an inner-city boxing facility this week to meet with grassroots boxing talent, with a view to renovating a new facility and reopening it in Lagos upon his next visit.

As part of his homecoming tour, Itauma will headline a series of activities organized by Bet9ja, ranging from grassroots boxing mentorship programmes and community projects to courtesy visits, media appearances, and fan meet-and-greets.

Bet9ja chief executive Ayo Ojoroye described Itauma’s return as symbolic, saying, “Moses Itauma represents the very best of Nigerian talent and heritage. His journey from the UK boxing circuit to becoming one of the most exciting heavyweight prospects in the world is a source of immense pride for our nation.”

Itauma has become one of the hottest names in world boxing, with his meteoric rise including an emphatic first-round victory over former world champion Dillian Whyte.

Speaking on his emotional return earlier, Itauma had said, “Coming back to Nigeria and just breathing the Nigerian air is so emotional for me. This is a major part of my identity, and I am proud to finally connect with the people, the culture, and the energy that have shaped who I am today. Nigeria has always been in my heart, and I can’t wait to share this moment with my fans.” (The PUNCH)