The exciting young heavyweight takes on the experienced British fighter in Saudi Arabia on Saturday (16.08.25) and is refusing to be duped by Whyte's respectful approach in the lead-up to the clash.

Itauma told reporters: "I think there’s a rule in The 48 Laws of Power where you play a sheep to catch a wolf. I feel like that’s what Dillian Whyte’s doing. If he is, [or] if he isn’t, it doesn’t matter. I’m going to bring the heat Saturday night.

"We’re heavyweights and a fight can end at any point. I’m not delusional. I know what threat Dillian Whyte poses. I’m not overlooking him. I’m taking this man seriously."

Itauma is the hot favourite for the fight but isn't putting "much pressure" on the result.

The fighter said: "I feel like Dillian Whyte is a strong contender and it’s nothing personal. I’ve got respect for every fighter. It’s just business.

"For a long time I didn’t think the fight was going to happen. But we’re here, we’ve live, and we’re ready. We were in camp for maybe 14 weeks, so we’re just ready to rock and roll, to be honest.

"I’m not putting too much pressure on the outcome of the fight. I know my game plan and I know what I need to do. So it’s just my job to go there and execute. Whatever happens on Saturday night, let it be."

Whyte is the underdog for the bout but stressed that he has been "written off many times" before in his boxing career.

He said: "I’ve had a few main events, a few pay-per-view fights, but there is so much more for me to achieve and chase in the game. I haven’t really sat back and looked at my career and thought about this or thought about that.

"Listen, I’m someone who is not supposed to be here. I never had a great amateur career, no support, and I’m just a kid from Jamaica who has been written off many times. I was meant to be dead before I was in my twenties. But here I am doing stuff. What more can I say?"