In the world of heavyweight boxing, few names have caught the imagination of fans as quickly as Moses Itauma. At just 20 years old, the British heavyweight has built a flawless record of 13-0 (11 KOs) and has become one of the most talked-about prospects in the sport. His most recent outing, a blistering first-round stoppage of former world title challenger Dillian Whyte, only added fuel to the fire of anticipation around his career.

Yet despite the growing calls for Itauma to face elite opposition, his trainer Ben Davison has struck a more cautious tone. In a recent interview, Davison suggested that the youngster’s next opponent may not be at the level fans are demanding.

Moses Itauma’s Rapid Rise

From the very beginning of his career, Itauma has showcased extraordinary composure, power, and ring IQ well beyond his years. Wins over experienced names like Mike Balogun and Demsey McKean helped him make the transition from prospect to legitimate contender.

His dominant performance against Whyte, though, was the moment that truly cemented Itauma as one of boxing’s brightest young stars. Despite Whyte’s faded form, few expected the veteran to be dispatched so ruthlessly in a single round.

That victory pushed Itauma further up the rankings across all four sanctioning bodies, placing him tantalizingly close to a potential world title opportunity. However, Davison is careful to remind fans that with greater rankings comes greater pressure.

A Potential Clash With Usyk?

Davison has not shied away from bold claims in the past. He has even gone on record stating that Itauma is already prepared to challenge the reigning heavyweight king Oleksandr Usyk, who currently holds all four major belts.

Still, reality paints a more complicated picture. Usyk is currently enjoying his undisputed champion status and has shown no clear timeline for when he intends to defend again. Meanwhile, the October 25 bout between Joseph Parker and Fabio Wardley will likely determine Usyk’s next mandatory challenger.

That leaves Itauma on the sidelines, needing to stay active while waiting for bigger opportunities to materialize.

Who Could Be Next for Itauma?

Two names that have been floated for Itauma’s December return are Filip Hrgovic and Jamaine Franklin Jr. Both are credible opponents, though neither seems eager to risk their own momentum against the rising star.

• Filip Hrgovic is coming off a points win over David Adeleye and remains one of the division’s more dangerous contenders.

• Jamaine Franklin Jr., meanwhile, edged Ivan Dychko in a close contest and has experience sharing the ring with names like Anthony Joshua and Dillian Whyte.

According to Ben Davison, however, negotiations have hit a wall.

“Those are the two on everybody’s lips,” Davison told Sky Sports. “They’re not interested and it’s the same for pretty much all of them, so it’s difficult.”

He added that most opponents demand extremely high purses to fight Itauma, making matchmaking far more complicated than fans might realize.

Why Top Opponents Are Hesitant

The reluctance to face Itauma isn’t entirely surprising. As a young, hungry, and undefeated prospect with a growing reputation, he represents high risk with relatively low reward for established heavyweights.

If they win, critics might dismiss the victory as a veteran beating a prospect. If they lose, their standing in the division takes a major hit at the hands of a 20-year-old still on the rise. This dynamic creates an environment where many fighters demand inflated purses to take the gamble.

Davison admitted that if a credible name cannot be secured for December, Itauma’s team may be forced to “drop down a level” and wait until the new year to pursue bigger fights.

Other Options on the Table

Another name suggested was Martin Bakole, fresh off a controversial draw with Efe Ajagba. Bakole has long been considered a tricky opponent due to his size, power, and awkward style.

Yet Davison appeared dismissive of Bakole as a meaningful challenge at this stage, noting that his stock has dropped significantly since suffering a second-round stoppage at the hands of Joseph Parker earlier this year.

That leaves Itauma’s December opponent an open question, with the likelihood leaning more toward a mid-tier heavyweight than a top contender.

Balancing Hype With Development

One of the greatest challenges for fighters like Moses Itauma is balancing the hype machine with the natural pace of career development. Fans want to see him in blockbuster fights now, especially after such a devastating win over Dillian Whyte. However, rushing into world-level opposition too soon could backfire.

Davison, who has trained champions across multiple weight divisions, seems determined to keep Itauma’s progression measured, even if it means frustrating those eager to see him face the likes of Usyk, Tyson Fury, or Anthony Joshua in the immediate future.

“The next fight, if we can pull something off and get somebody like that – we’re all for that,” Davison explained. “But if not, I suppose we’ll have to drop down a level and try again in the new year.”

The Bigger Picture for Itauma

Regardless of who Itauma faces next, the bigger picture remains clear: he is one of the sport’s most promising future stars. At just 20 years old, time is firmly on his side. Many of today’s heavyweight champions, including Usyk and Fury, are well into their 30s.

This means Itauma could potentially outlast the current generation and rise to dominance once the division begins to turn over. His combination of youth, skill, and power makes him an investment in the future of heavyweight boxing.

What Fans Can Expect in December

As it stands, Itauma’s December fight looks increasingly likely to be more about staying active than making a massive statement. That doesn’t mean fans won’t see fireworks—his explosive style and knockout power guarantee entertainment regardless of opposition.

What remains most important is that Itauma continues to build experience, sharpen his craft, and stay ready for when the inevitable world title opportunities come knocking.

Conclusion

The story of Moses Itauma is one still being written. His trainer Ben Davison may be lowering expectations for the next fight, but that should not be mistaken for a lack of ambition. Itauma’s team knows the talent they have on their hands and is carefully charting a path to the very top of the heavyweight boxing world.

Whether December brings a marquee name or a mid-level opponent, one thing is certain: every fight is another step toward greatness. Itauma has already proven he belongs in the conversation among boxing’s elite, and the journey is only just beginning.