Moses Itauma is setting his sights on capturing a heavyweight world championship as quickly as possible, according to his long‑time trainer Ben Davison. The young fighter, who is only 21, has already demonstrated that he can compete at a very high level, having dispatched two seasoned opponents in rapid fashion. In his most recent outings, Itauma knocked out former title challenger Dillian Whyte in a single round and then finished Jermaine Franklin within five rounds, showcasing both power and composure.
For the coaching staff surrounding Itauma, these performances are more than enough to convince them that the boxer is ready to step onto the biggest stages in the division. "The objective now is to line up a world‑title opportunity for him as soon as we can," Davison told Sky Sports. He added that while the final arrangements will involve promoters such as Queensberry Promotions, Frank Warren and George Warren, the overarching goal remains clear: a world belt for the 21‑year‑old.
The urgency behind the plan is evident. Davison explained that Itauma wants to become a world champion before he turns 22, a timeline that puts considerable pressure on his management to secure a title fight before the end of the calendar year. "He’s in a very favourable position with several sanctioning bodies," Davison said. "It may simply come down to a champion vacating a belt or agreeing to a fight that opens a slot for him." Although Itauma is still early in his professional journey—having logged only 14 fights to date, with 12 victories coming before the final bell—his rapid rise has sparked a debate about risk versus reward in matchmaking.
Davison acknowledges that experience will continue to accumulate, but he believes the boxer has already proven his readiness. "We’ve tested him against opponents who could survive the distance, and we’ve seen enough in the gym and in the cage to know he can handle the pressure," the trainer explained. When asked about potential opponents, Davison did not shy away from naming a possible clash with Agit Kabayel for the WBC heavyweight crown.
"If a world title is on the line, we’re all in," he said, emphasizing that the decision now hinges on weighing the risk of a title bout against the reward of a championship. Complicating matters is the fact that Itauma could become the mandatory challenger for the WBO heavyweight title, a belt currently held by his gym‑mate Fabio Wardley. Wardley is slated to fight Daniel Dubois on May 9, and if he emerges victorious, the WBO may order a mandatory defense against Itauma. However, Davison believes that the broader landscape of unification fights will likely supersede any mandatory obligation.
"If Fabio wins, Oleksandr Usyk has already expressed interest in fighting him. In such a scenario, Fabio would probably vacate the WBO belt to pursue the unification bout," Davison noted. "A unification fight would take precedence over a mandatory defense, so I don’t see that becoming a roadblock for Moses." Looking ahead, the trainer stresses that the team will continue to evaluate opportunities carefully, balancing the desire for a swift title shot with the need to protect the boxer’s long‑term development.
"It’s a calculated gamble," Davison said. "We want to give him the chance to fight for a world title now, but we also have to make sure the matchup is realistic and doesn’t jeopardise his trajectory." Outside the ring, the buzz around Itauta’s rapid ascent has drawn attention from promoters, broadcasters, and fans alike.
The heavyweight division, historically dominated by seasoned veterans, is now witnessing a new generation of talent eager to stake their claim. Itauma’s combination of youthful vigor, knockout power, and a disciplined work ethic makes him a compelling contender for any organization looking to crown a fresh champion. In summary, Moses Itauma, guided by Ben Davison, is aggressively pursuing a world heavyweight title before his 22nd birthday.
With dominant victories over Dillian Whyte and Jermaine Franklin, a favorable standing with multiple sanctioning bodies, and a willingness to face top‑ranked opponents such as Agit Kabayel, the path to a championship appears within reach. While potential mandatory obligations to the WBO could arise, the broader context of unification bouts and possible belt vacating suggests that these hurdles may be navigated without derailing the plan.
As the year progresses, all eyes will be on Itauma’s next move, as he strives to add a world title to his rapidly growing résumé.