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 21‑year‑old British prospect has already demonstrated a ferocious pace in his short professional career, knocking out former title contender Dillian Whyte in a single round and then subduing Jermaine Franklin in under five rounds. Those decisive victories have convinced his camp that the young fighter is ready to test himself against the sport's elite. "The objective now is to line up a world‑title bout for him as soon as we can," Davison told Sky Sports.
"I can't go into too many specifics because the negotiations are handled by Queensberry Promotions, Frank Warren, and George Warren, but the ambition is crystal clear." Itauma’s ambition is not just a vague desire; he wants to become a champion before he turns 22. "He’s determined to wear a world‑title belt before his 22nd birthday," Davison explained. "He’s in a strong negotiating position with several sanctioning bodies, so it may simply come down to a champion vacating a title or agreeing to a fight." At this stage of his career, Itauma has only 14 professional fights on his record, but 12 of those wins have come by way of knockout or stoppage, underscoring his reputation as a power puncher who can finish opponents inside the distance. Davison emphasized that the team has been carefully balancing risk and reward in matchmaking.
"We’ve been testing him against opponents who could give him the rounds, and we’ve seen enough in the gym and in the ring to know he can handle the pressure," the trainer said. The next logical step, according to Davison, could be a showdown with Agit Kabayel for the vacant WBC heavyweight title. "If there’s a world title on the line, we’re all in," he asserted, indicating that the risk of facing a seasoned champion is outweighed by the reward of a championship.
The prospect of a WBC title fight would also align with Itauma’s rapid rise, as the organization often rewards fighters who demonstrate both power and marketability. Complicating the picture is the fact that Itauma’s gymmate, Fabio Wardley, currently holds the WBO heavyweight belt.
Wardley is slated to fight Daniel Dubois on May 9, and if he wins, he could become a unified champion, potentially opening the WBO title for a mandatory challenger. However, Davison believes this scenario will not impede Itauma’s path. "If Fabio wins, Oleksandr Usyk has already indicated interest in a bout with him.
In that case, the WBO champion would likely vacate the belt to pursue a unification fight," Davison explained. "Even if a mandatory defense were ordered, a unification match would take precedence, so I don’t see that as a real obstacle for Moses." Beyond the immediate title picture, Itauma’s team is also looking at the broader landscape of heavyweight boxing in 2026. The sport’s schedule is packed with high‑profile fights, and streaming platforms such as NOW are offering contract‑free access to many of these events.
The team hopes to position Itauma as a marquee name that can draw viewers across multiple platforms, including the popular Toe2Toe podcast where analysts discuss upcoming bouts and fighter development. In terms of preparation, Davison highlighted the importance of experience gained both in training and in competition.
"We’ve been focusing on sharpening his technique, improving his stamina, and ensuring he can adapt to different styles," he said. "The gym work is just as crucial as the fights; we want him to be comfortable whether he’s trading blows in the early rounds or enduring a longer, tactical battle." The trainer also noted that the decision to pursue a world title now is not reckless.
"It’s a calculated risk. We’ve seen enough in his performances to believe he can handle the step up," Davison said. "If the opponents we’ve selected can’t push him to the limit, we’ll adjust the level of competition accordingly.
But at this point, we feel he’s earned the chance." Looking ahead, the next few months will be decisive for Itauma’s career trajectory. Negotiations with promoters, sanctioning bodies, and potential opponents are already underway.
The team is keeping an eye on any openings that may arise from champions vacating titles, mandatory challenger positions, or unification opportunities. Their goal is to secure a fight that not only offers a realistic shot at a belt but also enhances Itauma’s profile on the global stage. In summary, Moses Itauma’s rapid ascent—marked by two spectacular knockout victories—has placed him on the radar of heavyweight decision‑makers. With his trainer Ben Davison championing an aggressive push toward a world title, and with the fighter himself eager to become a champion before turning 22, the next chapter of his career promises excitement for fans and a potential reshaping of the heavyweight division’s hierarchy.