Moses Itauma is setting his sights on capturing a heavyweight world championship as quickly as possible, according to his longtime trainer Ben Davison. The 21‑year‑old prodigy has already accelerated his rise through the division, delivering two impressive knockout victories in his most recent outings. In one of those fights he dispatched former title challenger Dillian Whyte in a single round, and in the next he stopped Jermaine Franklin before the five‑round mark, demonstrating both power and precision. For the coaching staff surrounding Itauma, those performances have cemented the belief that the young fighter is ready to step onto the sport’s biggest stage.
"The objective now is to get him a world title as soon as we can," Davison told Sky Sports. "I can’t go into the specifics because that’s up to Queensberry Promotions, Frank Warren, and George Warren, but the intention is crystal clear." Itauma’s ambition is not merely to win a belt, but to do so before he turns 22. His trainer echoed that sentiment, noting that the boxer is already in a favorable position with several sanctioning bodies.
"He’s in a very positive spot with a number of organisations, so it could simply be a matter of a champion vacating a title or an opponent stepping aside," Davison explained. Although Itauma is still early in his professional journey—having logged just 14 fights, with 12 of those ending before the final bell—his rapid progression has sparked a debate about risk versus reward in matchmaking. Davison said, "Experience will come with time, but we’ve already tested him against quality opposition and seen how he handles the rounds. If a fighter can’t survive the distance, the decision is straightforward." The trainer did not shy away from naming potential opponents for a title shot.
He mentioned Agit Kabayel as a plausible challenger for the WBC heavyweight crown, stating, "If there’s a world title on the line, we’re all in. It’s a matter of weighing the risk against the reward, and at this stage, the reward is worth it." Complicating the picture is the fact that Itauma’s gymmate, Fabio Wardley, currently holds the WBO heavyweight belt.
Wardley is slated to face Daniel Dubois on May 9. Should Wardley retain his title, Davison believes that a mandatory challenge from Itauma would likely be sidestepped. "If Fabio wins, Oleksandr Usyk has already expressed interest in fighting him. In that scenario, the WBO would probably see Fabio vacate his belt to pursue the unification bout, which would remove any mandatory obstacle for Moses," Davison said.
"Unification fights usually take precedence over mandatory defenses, so I don’t see that becoming a problem." Beyond the immediate title aspirations, Itauma’s camp is also focused on building a solid foundation for his long‑term career. The young heavyweight has shown a blend of raw power, technical skill, and a willingness to engage, qualities that have endeared him to fans and promoters alike. His knockout of Whyte, a seasoned veteran who previously challenged for world honors, sent a clear message that Itauma can compete with established names.
The subsequent victory over Franklin, a durable opponent, further underscored his ability to finish fights decisively. In the gym, Itauma’s training regimen emphasizes not only strength and conditioning but also tactical awareness. Davison highlights that the boxer spends considerable time refining his footwork, defensive positioning, and punch selection. "We want him to be a complete fighter, not just a one‑dimensional power puncher," the trainer noted.
This holistic approach aims to prepare Itauma for the diverse styles he will encounter at the elite level, whether facing a slick boxer‑puncher or a relentless pressure fighter. Looking ahead, the next few months could prove pivotal. With the heavyweight calendar filling up with high‑profile matchups, opportunities for a title shot may arise through either a direct challenge or a vacant belt scenario.
Itauma’s management is actively monitoring the landscape, seeking the optimal path that balances immediate ambition with career longevity. If the stars align, we could see the 21‑year‑old stepping into a championship ring before the end of the calendar year. Such a feat would place him among the youngest heavyweight champions in modern history, joining the likes of Mike Tyson, who captured a world title at 20, and more recently, Anthony Joshua, who won his first belt at 24.
Achieving this milestone would not only validate the confidence expressed by Davison and the promotional team but also solidify Itauma’s status as a rising star poised to reshape the heavyweight division. In summary, Moses Itauma’s trajectory is accelerating at a remarkable pace.
With two dominant knockout victories, a supportive training team, and a clear strategic vision from his promoters, the path to a world championship appears within reach. Whether he faces Kabayel for a WBC title, navigates the WBO mandatory landscape, or capitalizes on a vacant belt, the overarching goal remains the same: to crown a young, talented heavyweight as a world champion before he turns 22.
The boxing world will be watching closely as the next chapter of Itauma’s career unfolds.