Moses Itauma is setting his sights on clinching a world heavyweight championship as quickly as possible, according to his longtime trainer Ben Davison. The 21‑year‑old phenom has already accelerated his rise through the heavyweight ranks, delivering two dominant performances that have left observers convinced he belongs among the sport’s elite.
In his most recent outings, Itauma dispatched former title contender Dillian Whyte in a single, decisive round and then proceeded to overwhelm Jermaine Franklin, ending that bout within five rounds. Those victories, both achieved with a blend of power and precision, have convinced his coaching staff that the young boxer is ready to test himself against the very best in the division. "The objective now is to secure a world title for him as soon as we can," Davison told Sky Sports.
"I can’t go into the details because the negotiations are handled by Queensberry Promotions, Frank Warren, and George Warren, but that’s the target we’re aiming for." The trainer emphasized that the timing is crucial: Itauma wants to become a champion before he turns 22, a goal that adds urgency to the planning process. "He’s in a very favorable position with several sanctioning bodies," Davison added.
"It may simply come down to a champion vacating a belt or an opponent stepping aside, which would open the door for Moses." Although Itauma’s professional résumé is still relatively brief—he has contested just 14 fights, winning 12 of them before the final bell—his rapid accumulation of knockout victories has sparked a debate about the balance between risk and reward in his matchmaking. "It’s a question of risk versus reward when we line up opponents for Moses," Davison explained.
"Experience will naturally accrue as his career progresses, but we’ve already seen enough in the gym and in the ring to know that he can handle the pressure of longer fights. If a challenger can’t survive the distance, the result is clear." The trainer did not shy away from the possibility of a title showdown with Agit Kabayel for the WBC heavyweight crown. "If there’s a world title on the line, we’re all in," Davison affirmed, indicating that the team is prepared to take the calculated gamble that a championship fight entails. However, the path to a belt could become more intricate if Itauta is designated as the mandatory challenger for the WBO title, currently held by his gymmate Fabio Wardley.
Wardley is slated to face Daniel Dubois on May 9, and a victory for Wardley would likely set up a unification bout with unified champion Oleksandr Usyk. Davison believes that such a scenario would diminish the likelihood of a mandatory defense against Itauma. "If Fabio wins and Usyk expresses interest in a fight, the WBO would probably see Fabio vacate the title to pursue that higher‑profile unification," he said. "In that case, the mandatory challenger issue essentially disappears." Beyond the immediate logistical considerations, Davison highlighted the broader strategic picture.
The heavyweight division is currently in a state of flux, with several champions and top contenders jockeying for position. This environment creates openings for a fast‑rising star like Itauma to leapfrog traditional pathways and secure a championship bout sooner rather than later. "The heavyweight landscape is fluid," Davison noted. "If a champion decides to move on to a unification or a big‑payday fight, that can free up a slot for Moses.
We’re monitoring every development closely and are ready to act when the right opportunity presents itself." The young boxer’s ambition aligns with his team’s philosophy of aggressive progression. While some critics argue that a more gradual climb might be prudent, Itauma and his camp appear confident that his skill set—particularly his ability to end fights early—mitigates the risks associated with stepping up in competition. "He’s shown he can finish fights quickly and decisively," Davison said. "That reduces the wear and tear that comes from long, grueling battles, and it also sends a clear message to potential opponents about the danger he poses." In addition to the tactical aspects of matchmaking, Davison stressed the importance of maintaining the boxer’s mental and physical health.
"We’re not just looking at titles; we’re also focused on ensuring Moses stays healthy and motivated," he explained. "A world title is a massive goal, but it has to be pursued in a way that preserves his longevity in the sport." As the year draws to a close, the pressure mounts for Itauma to translate his early promise into a championship triumph.
With a combination of raw talent, a supportive training team, and a strategic approach to navigating the complex world of heavyweight sanctioning bodies, the 21‑year‑old is poised to make a significant impact. Whether the route leads directly to a bout with Kabayel, a mandatory challenge for the WBO belt, or a different title opportunity altogether, the consensus among his camp is clear: the sooner a world title can be secured, the better for Moses Itauma’s burgeoning legacy.