Moses Itauma is setting his sights on securing a world heavyweight championship as quickly as possible, according to his longtime trainer Ben Davison. The 21‑year‑old prospect has already accelerated his rise through the division, delivering two decisive victories in his most recent outings.
First, he dispatched former title challenger Dillian Whyte in a single, explosive round, and then he followed that with a ruthless five‑round demolition of Jermaine Franklin. Those performances have convinced his coaching staff that Itauma is ready to test himself against the elite of the heavyweight ranks. "The objective now is to get him a world title as soon as we can," Davison told Sky Sports.
"I can't go into too many specifics because that’s up to Queensberry Promotions, Frank Warren and George Warren, but the ambition is clear." The trainer added that the plan is to have Itauma crowned before he turns 22, a milestone the young fighter is eager to achieve. The timeline is ambitious, but the camp believes the circumstances are favorable. Itauma currently holds a strong negotiating position with several sanctioning bodies, which could open the door for a title vacancy or a forced fight if a champion steps aside. "He's in a very positive spot with a number of organisations," Davison explained.
"It might come down to someone having to vacate a belt or agree to a matchup." Although still early in his professional journey—having logged just 14 fights, with 12 wins coming before the final bell— I tauma’s record already reflects a high knockout ratio and an ability to finish opponents decisively. Davison acknowledges that the balance between risk and reward is a constant factor in matchmaking. "Experience will come with time, but we’ve tested him against opponents who could take him the distance and he’s proven he can handle the pressure," he said.
"In the gym and in the cage, we’ve seen enough to know he can compete at the highest level." The trainer did not shy away from naming a potential opponent for a title shot. He mentioned Agit Kabayel, the WBC heavyweight champion, as a plausible target. "If a world title is on the line, we’re all in," Davison affirmed, indicating that the camp would welcome a high‑stakes bout against Kabayel if the opportunity arose. Complications could emerge from the WBO hierarchy, where Itauma’s gymmate Fabio Wardley currently holds the belt.
Wardley is slated to face Daniel Dubois on May 9, and a victory could set up a unification scenario with Oleksandr Usyk. Davison believes that even if the WBO were to designate Itauma as the mandatory challenger, the broader landscape would likely render that moot. "If Fabio wins, Usyk has already expressed interest in fighting him.
In that case, the WBO might see Fabio vacate the title to pursue the unification, which would remove any mandatory obstacle for Moses," he explained. "Unification fights typically take precedence over mandatory defenses, so I don’t see that becoming a problem." Beyond the immediate title chase, Itauma’s team is mindful of the long‑term development required to sustain success at the top. The trainer emphasized that the fighter’s physical attributes—speed, power, and ring IQ—must be complemented by strategic fight selection and gradual exposure to tougher competition.
"It’s about building a career, not just grabbing a belt and walking away," Davison noted. "We want him to learn, adapt, and grow with each step, so when he finally steps into a championship ring, he’s fully prepared to defend that crown for years to come." The broader boxing calendar also plays a role in shaping Itauma’s path.
With major events slated throughout 2026, including high‑profile matchups on pay‑per‑view platforms and streaming services, there are numerous windows for a title bout. The camp is keeping a close eye on the shifting dynamics of the heavyweight division, particularly the movements of champions like Usyk, Dubois, and the rising European contenders. In summary, Moses Itauma’s ambition to become a world champion before his 22nd birthday is backed by a series of impressive victories, a supportive training team, and favorable positioning within the sanctioning bodies.
While logistical hurdles such as mandatory challenger status and potential title vacancies exist, Davison remains confident that the right opportunity will arise, allowing the young heavyweight to step onto the world stage and claim the silverware he so clearly desires.