Moses Itauma is setting his sights on clinching a world heavyweight championship at the earliest opportunity, according to his long‑time trainer Ben Davison. The 21‑year‑old phenom has already accelerated his rise through the ranks, delivering two emphatic victories that have left the boxing community buzzing. In his most recent outings, Itauma stopped former title challenger Dillian Whyte in a single round and then dismantled Jermaine Franklin within five rounds, showcasing a blend of power, speed, and ring intelligence that belies his youth.
For the coaching staff surrounding Itauma, these performances are more than just impressive knockouts – they are a clear signal that the boxer is ready to test himself against the elite of the heavyweight division. "The objective now is to line up a world‑title opportunity 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 the ambition is unmistakable." Davison emphasized that the fighter is eager to secure a belt before he turns 22, a milestone that would place him among the youngest heavyweight champions in modern history.
"He’s in a very favorable position with several sanctioning bodies," the trainer explained. "It may simply come down to a champion vacating a title or an opponent stepping aside, which would clear a path for Moses." At this stage in his career, Itauma has compiled a record of 14 professional fights, winning 12 of them before the final bell. Such a high finish rate underscores his ability to impose his will early and often, a trait that has attracted attention from promoters and fans alike.
"Match‑making with Moses is always a balance of risk versus reward," Davison said. "Experience will accumulate over time, but we’ve already seen enough in the gym and in the ring to know he can handle the pressure of longer bouts. If an opponent can’t survive the rounds, that’s a clear indicator of where they stand." The trainer did not shy away from the idea of throwing Itauma into a title fight against seasoned contender Agit Kabayel for the WBC belt.
"He’s at that level now where the risk‑reward equation favors a world‑title clash. If a championship is on the line, we’re all in," Davison affirmed. This confidence stems from the belief that Itauta’s recent victories have not been flukes but rather the result of a systematic development plan that has prepared him for the sport’s highest stakes. Complicating the picture, however, is the fact that the WBO heavyweight title – another potential target – is currently held by Itauma’s gym‑mate Fabio Wardley.
Wardley is slated to face Daniel Dubois on May 9, and a victory could set up a unification scenario involving the likes of Oleksandr Usyk. Davison addressed the potential mandatory challenger situation, noting that if Wardley wins and a unification bout with Usyk materialises, Wardley would likely vacate the WBO belt to pursue that higher‑profile fight.
"In that case, the mandatory defence becomes a moot point," he said. "A unification fight would take precedence over any compulsory defence, so I don’t see that as a barrier for Moses." Looking ahead, the path to a world title could involve several routes. One possibility is a direct challenge for the WBC championship, where Kabayel remains a viable opponent.
Another is a scenario where the WBO title becomes vacant, either through Wardley’s decision to vacate or through a forced relinquishment after a unification bout. In either case, Itauma’s camp appears prepared to act swiftly, leveraging the momentum generated by his recent knockout streak. Beyond the immediate title aspirations, Davison highlighted the broader strategic outlook for Itauma’s career. "We’ve been building his resume carefully, selecting opponents who test specific aspects of his game," he explained.
"Now that we’ve seen him dominate both in short‑duration fights and in longer, more tactical contests, the next logical step is to place him on a world‑stage where he can prove his mettle against established champions." The trainer also underscored the importance of timing and the business side of boxing. While the fighter’s desire to become a champion before turning 22 is clear, the actual matchmaking will involve negotiations with promoters, sanctioning bodies, and television networks. "It’s a complex puzzle," Davison admitted. "But the pieces are aligning – the fighter’s readiness, the marketability of a young heavyweight champion, and the openings in the title picture all point toward a near‑future opportunity." In summary, Moses Itauma’s recent victories over Whyte and Franklin have catapulted him into the conversation for a heavyweight world title.
His trainer Ben Davison is confident that the boxer is prepared to seize a championship bout as soon as the circumstances allow, whether that means challenging for the WBC belt against Agit Kabayel or capitalising on a potential vacancy in the WBO hierarchy. With a record that boasts a high knockout percentage and a clear strategic plan in place, Itauma is poised to make a significant impact on the heavyweight division before his 22nd birthday, marking him as one of the most exciting prospects in the sport today.