Moses Itauma is setting his sights on clinching a heavyweight world championship as quickly as possible, according to his long‑time trainer Ben Davison. The 21‑year‑old British prospect has already accelerated his ascent through the division, delivering two dominant performances in recent weeks that have convinced his camp he is ready for the sport's elite level.
In his most recent outings, Itauma dispatched former world‑title challenger Dillian Whyte in a single, explosive round, then followed that with a ruthless victory over Jermaine Franklin, stopping the American inside the fifth round. Both fights showcased his raw power, technical skill, and an unflinching willingness to finish opponents early.
For his trainers, these results are more than just impressive numbers; they are a clear signal that Itauma has the tools to compete with the best heavyweights on the planet. "The objective now is to line up a world‑title bout for him as soon as we possibly 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 end goal is crystal clear." Davison added that the fighter is eager to achieve that milestone before he turns 22. "He wants to be a world champion before his 22nd birthday," the trainer explained.
"He’s already in a very favorable position with several sanctioning bodies, so it may simply be a matter of a champion vacating a belt or agreeing to a fight that opens the door for him." At this stage in his career, Itauma has only 14 professional fights to his name, but twelve of those wins have come inside the distance, underscoring his knockout capability. "It’s always a balance of risk versus reward when we match‑make for Moses," Davison said.
"Experience will come with time, but we’ve already tested him against opponents who could survive the full rounds, and he’s proven he can finish them early." The trainer also hinted that a bout against Agit Kabayel for the WBC heavyweight title would not be out of the question. "If a world title is on the line, we’re all in," Davison affirmed, emphasizing that the risk‑reward calculation now leans heavily toward taking the biggest fight available.
Complicating the path to a world title is the fact that Itauma’s gymmate, Fabio Wardley, currently holds the WBO heavyweight championship. Wardley is slated to fight Daniel Dubois on May 9, and a victory there could set up a unification showdown with unified champion Oleksandr Usyk.
Davison believes that even if the WBO were to name Itauma as a mandatory challenger, the situation would likely resolve without forcing a direct clash with his teammate. "If Fabio wins, Usyk has already expressed interest in fighting him.
In that scenario, the WBO would probably see Fabio vacate the belt to pursue the unification, which would clear the way for Moses," he explained. "A unification fight would take precedence over a mandatory defense, so I don’t see that becoming a barrier for him." Looking ahead, the broader heavyweight calendar for 2026 promises a series of high‑profile matchups that could provide opportunities for a rising star like Itauma. With several champions potentially vacating titles to chase unification bouts, the landscape may open up faster than usual. Davison remains optimistic that the timing will align with Itauma’s ambition to become a champion before his 22nd birthday.
Beyond the immediate title chase, Davison stresses the importance of continued development in the gym. "We’ve seen enough in training and in the ring to know he can handle the pressure of a world‑title fight," he said.
"The next step is to fine‑tune his technique, improve his defensive awareness, and ensure he can go the distance if a fight does extend to the later rounds." In summary, Moses Itauma’s rapid rise, highlighted by knockout victories over seasoned opponents, has positioned him as a legitimate contender for a heavyweight world title. With a supportive training team, strategic matchmaking, and a favorable environment among the sanctioning bodies, his goal of securing a championship belt before turning 22 appears within reach.
The coming months will be crucial as negotiations unfold and potential opponents are identified, but the consensus among his camp is clear: the sooner a world‑title opportunity materializes, the better for a young fighter whose talent and determination are already making waves in the heavyweight division.