Moses Itauma is now setting his sights on capturing a world heavyweight championship as quickly as possible, according to his longtime trainer Ben Davison. The young British heavyweight, who turned professional only a few years ago, has already demonstrated a ferocious pace in his ascent, dispatching notable opponents in spectacular fashion and convincing his camp that he belongs among the sport's elite.
In his most recent outings, Itauma has shown a blend of power and precision that has left fans and pundits alike taking notice. He halted the former title challenger Dillian Whyte in a single, decisive round, a performance that underscored his ability to neutralise seasoned veterans with a single burst of aggression.
Not long after that, he faced Jermaine Franklin, a durable contender who had previously tested the mettle of several top‑ranked heavyweights. Itauma dismantled Franklin inside the fifth round, delivering a series of crushing blows that forced the referee to intervene and stop the contest. These back‑to‑back victories have convinced his trainers that the 21‑year‑old is ready to step onto the biggest stages in the division. "The objective now is to get a world title for Moses as soon as we possibly can," Davison told Sky Sports.
"We all agree that the goal is to line up a championship bout at the earliest realistic moment." While the specifics of negotiations lie with Queensberry Promotions, Frank Warren and his son George, the trainer made it clear that the ambition to crown Itauta a world champion is the driving force behind their upcoming matchmaking decisions. Itauma himself is eager to achieve this milestone before he turns 22. "He wants to be a world champion before he’s 22," Davison confirmed, noting that the fighter is already in a favourable position with several sanctioning bodies.
This could mean that a title vacancy or a mandatory challenger situation might open a door for him without the need for a prolonged waiting period. The trainer hinted that a champion might vacate a belt to pursue a more lucrative unification fight, thereby creating an opening for Itauma to step in.
At present, Itauma's professional record stands at 14 fights, with 12 victories earned inside the distance—a testament to his knockout power and finishing instinct. The trainer emphasized that the next step involves weighing risk versus reward when selecting opponents. "Experience will come with time," Davison said.
"We have already tested him against opponents who could survive the later rounds, and we’ve seen enough in the gym and in the ring to know he can handle the pressure." Looking ahead, Davison does not shy away from the idea of matching Itauma against Agit Kabayel for a WBC heavyweight title. "If a world title is on the line, we’re all in," he remarked, indicating that the camp would gladly accept a high‑stakes bout despite the inherent risks. Such a fight would place Itauma directly in the spotlight and could accelerate his rise to the top of the heavyweight hierarchy.
Complicating matters 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 the outcome of that encounter could affect the landscape of mandatory challengers. Davison explained that even if Wardley retains his belt, a unification bout with the reigning unified champion Oleksandr Usyk could prompt Wardley to vacate the WBO title in order to pursue the more lucrative fight. "If Fabio wins, Usyk has already expressed interest in fighting him.
In that scenario, the WBO would likely see the belt vacated, and a unification would take precedence over a mandatory defence," Davison said. "So I don’t see that becoming a barrier for Moses.” The trainer also highlighted the broader strategic considerations that go into arranging a world‑title opportunity.
Negotiations with promoters, the timing of mandatory defenses, and the willingness of other champions to step aside all play a part in shaping the path to a championship bout. "It’s a complex puzzle," Davison admitted. "But the pieces are aligning in a way that could allow Moses to step into a title fight before the year is out." Beyond the immediate goal of a belt, Itauma’s camp is also focused on building a sustainable career that can withstand the inevitable ups and downs of heavyweight boxing.
They are keen to balance high‑profile fights with opportunities for growth, ensuring that the fighter gains the necessary experience without being rushed into situations that could jeopardise his long‑term development. In summary, Moses Itauma’s rapid rise, marked by decisive victories over established opponents, has set the stage for a potential world‑title challenge in the near future. Trainer Ben Davison is confident that the young heavyweight is ready to seize the moment, and the confluence of vacant titles, possible mandatory shifts, and strategic matchmaking could see him fighting for a championship before he turns 22. The coming months will be crucial as negotiations progress, opponents are finalized, and the boxing world watches to see if Itauma can translate his early promise into a historic heavyweight title win.