Moses Itauma’s camp is already plotting a swift ascent to the pinnacle of heavyweight boxing, with his trainer Ben Davison openly stating that the ultimate objective is to secure a world championship as quickly as possible. The 21‑year‑old prospect has already demonstrated a ferocious pace in his recent outings, dispatching seasoned opponents with alarming efficiency. In his last two bouts, Itauma stopped former title challenger Dillian Whyte in a single round and then delivered a decisive knockout to Jermaine Franklin within five rounds, underscoring his readiness for elite competition. For the members of his training team, these performances are more than just impressive statistics; they constitute concrete proof that the young fighter possesses the skill set, power, and mental fortitude required to contend with the best in the heavyweight division.
"The goal now is to get him a world championship as soon as possible," Davison told Sky Sports, emphasizing that the focus has shifted from building a résumé to targeting the sport’s most coveted prize. Davison was careful to note that the logistics of arranging a title bout involve several parties beyond his control, including Queensberry Promotions, Frank Warren, and George Warren. Nevertheless, he reiterated that the overarching ambition remains unchanged: a world title for Itauma before he turns 22.
"He wants to be a world champion before he's 22," Davison affirmed, adding that the fighter is already in a favorable position with multiple sanctioning bodies, which could open pathways if a current champion vacates a belt or agrees to a fight. At this stage in his career, Itauma’s record is still relatively brief—14 professional fights in total, with 12 victories coming by way of stoppage before the final bell. Yet his rapid rise has prompted his team to weigh the classic risk‑versus‑reward equation when it comes to matchmaking.
"Experience will come along the way," Davison said. "We've tried with opponents to get rounds and I think we're at the point now where we've seen enough. I've seen enough in the gym, I've seen enough in the fights where if these guys aren't capable of doing the rounds, it is what it is." The trainer did not shy away from the possibility of matching Itauma against Agit Kabayel for a WBC title, describing the scenario as a calculated gamble that could pay off handsomely if the belt is on the line.
"He's at that level now where it's risk versus reward, so if there's a world title on the line I think we're all in," Davison explained, indicating that the team is prepared to take bold steps to accelerate his ascent. Complicating the picture, however, is the fact that Itauma’s gymmate, Fabio Wardley, currently holds the WBO heavyweight championship. Should Wardley retain his belt after his upcoming clash with Daniel Dubois on May 9, there is a theoretical chance that Itauma could be named the mandatory challenger for that title.
Yet Davison remains confident that this will not become a stumbling block. He outlined a realistic scenario in which Wardley, after a successful defense, might vacate the WBO belt to pursue a unification bout with Oleksandr Usyk, who has publicly expressed interest in facing Wardley.
"If the WBO called a mandatory the reality is Fabio would probably vacate that belt to get the Usyk fight," Davison said, adding that a unification fight would likely take precedence over any mandatory defense. In practical terms, the pathway to a world championship for Itauma could involve several routes.
One possibility is a direct challenge for the vacant or relinquished WBC title, especially if the governing body deems him a suitable contender based on his recent knockout streak. Another avenue might be a strategic move to the IBF or WBA rankings, where a title eliminator could be arranged against a lower‑ranked champion, providing a clearer, less congested path to a belt. Beyond the immediate title chase, there are broader considerations about Itauma’s development as a fighter.
The young heavyweight possesses a blend of size, speed, and power that is rare for his age, but he still needs to refine his technical boxing skills, defensive awareness, and stamina for longer, championship‑length bouts. Davison’s comments suggest that the team believes these aspects have been sufficiently addressed through intensive sparring sessions and the experience gained in his first 14 fights.
Nevertheless, stepping into a 12‑round world title fight will be a significant test of his endurance and tactical adaptability. The promotional landscape also plays a critical role. Queensberry Promotions, led by Frank Warren, has a history of orchestrating high‑profile heavyweight matchups, and their involvement could expedite Itauma’s title aspirations.
If they can secure a fight against a willing champion or negotiate a vacant title bout, the 21‑year‑old could find himself on a world stage before the end of the calendar year. In summary, Moses Itauma’s trajectory is defined by a clear, ambitious target: a world heavyweight championship before his 22nd birthday. His recent knockout victories over Dillian Whyte and Jermaine Franklin have validated his readiness, while his trainer Ben Davison remains confident that the necessary opportunities will arise, whether through a direct title challenge, a mandatory challenger position, or a strategic vacancy created by other champions’ moves. With a supportive promotional team, a favorable standing with sanctioning bodies, and a willingness to take calculated risks, Itauma appears poised to make a bold push for boxing’s most prestigious prize in the very near future.