Moses Itauma is setting his sights on securing a world heavyweight championship as quickly as possible, according to his longtime trainer Ben Davison. The 21‑year‑old phenom has already demonstrated a rapid ascent through the heavyweight ranks, delivering decisive victories that have convinced his camp he is ready for the sport’s elite level. In his most recent outings, Itauma has dispatched two seasoned opponents in spectacular fashion.
He knocked out former title challenger Dillian Whyte in just a single round, showcasing both power and precision. Following that, he continued his dominant run by stopping Jermaine Franklin within five rounds, a performance that left little doubt about his growing prowess inside the ring.
These back‑to‑back triumphs have convinced his training team that the time is ripe for a world‑title shot. "The objective now is to get him a world championship as soon as possible," Davison told Sky Sports.
"I can’t go into the specifics because the negotiations are handled by Queensberry Promotions, Frank Warren, and George Warren, but that’s the target we’re all working toward." The trainer emphasized that the focus is on aligning the right opportunity with Itauta’s readiness, rather than merely chasing titles for their own sake. Itauma’s ambition is clear: he wants to become a world champion before he turns 22.
Davison confirmed that the young boxer is already in a favorable position with several sanctioning bodies, suggesting that a title vacancy or a forced fight could open the door for him. "He’s in a very positive spot with the organizations; it might just be a matter of someone vacating a belt or an opponent stepping aside," Davison explained. Although Itauma is still early in his professional career—having fought only 14 bouts and secured 12 victories inside the distance—his team believes his rapid development justifies a push for the top.
"It’s a risk‑versus‑reward calculation when it comes to matchmaking for Moses," Davison said. "Experience will come with time, but we’ve already seen enough in the gym and in the ring to know he can handle the challenge. If his opponents can’t go the distance, that tells us a lot about his level." The trainer did not shy away from the possibility of a showdown with Agit Kabayel for the WBC heavyweight crown. "He’s at that level now where it’s a risk‑versus‑reward scenario, so if a world title is on the line, we’re all in," Davison affirmed, indicating that Itauma would not hesitate to step into a title fight when the stakes are high.
Complicating the picture is the fact that Itauma could become the mandatory challenger for the WBO heavyweight belt, currently held by his gym‑mate Fabio Wardley. Wardley is slated to fight Daniel Dubois on May 9, and should he retain his title, the WBO could theoretically order a mandatory defense against Itauma. However, Davison believes this scenario is unlikely to derail his plans.
"If Fabio wins, Oleksandr Usyk has already expressed interest in fighting him. In that case, Fabio would probably vacate the WBO belt to pursue the unification with Usyk," Davison said.
"A unification bout would take precedence over any mandatory defense, so I don’t see that becoming an issue." Looking ahead, the next few months could be decisive for Itauma’s career trajectory. With his recent knockout streak and the backing of a seasoned trainer, the young heavyweight is poised to negotiate with promoters and sanctioning bodies for a title opportunity.
Whether that comes in the form of a direct challenge for the WBC belt, a mandatory shot at the WBO title, or a strategic bout that positions him as a top contender, Itauma’s camp is prepared to seize the moment. The broader boxing landscape also plays a role in shaping Itauma’s path.
The heavyweight division is currently in a state of flux, with several champions and top contenders juggling unification talks, mandatory obligations, and promotional interests. This environment creates openings for a rising star like Itauma to step in and claim a spot among the elite.
Davison’s confidence reflects an understanding of these dynamics: "We’re watching the calendar, the negotiations, and the movements of the champions. If a window opens, we’ll be ready to put Moses in the ring for a title." In summary, Moses Itauma’s rapid rise, combined with a clear strategic vision from his trainer Ben Davison, sets the stage for a potential world‑title bid before he reaches his 22nd birthday.
The combination of knockout power, a supportive training team, and favorable positioning with sanctioning bodies could see him challenging for a heavyweight crown by the end of the year, marking a significant milestone in what promises to be a remarkable career.