Moses Itauma's route to world heavyweight championship glory

Boxing writer Shaun Brown takes a look Moses Itauma's varying routes to heavyweight gold as the supremely talented 20-year-old bids to become British boxing's youngest blue-riband division title holder in the coming years.

Having recently turned 20, the Queensberry fighter can no longer surpass Mike Tyson’s record as the youngest heavyweight champion of all-time, but British boxing fans are convinced it’s only a matter of time before he claims one of the four world titles.

The southpaw sensation - boasting an 11-0 record with nine knockouts - including a first-round stoppage of Demsey McKean in 2024, returns to the ring this Saturday against American Mike Balogun where a victory could elevate his rankings and edge him closer to a title shot.

With his explosive talent being crafted by trainer Ben Davison, the hard-hitting heavyweight is a rising star in a division brimming with legitimate contenders.

We take a look at Itauma's potential routes to a world title through the four major sanctioning bodies.

WBO

Champion - Oleksandr Usyk
Interim champion - Joseph Parker
Mandatory challenger - Joseph Parker
No.1 contender - Justis Huni
Where is Itauma? - Ranked #2

The WBO, known for enforcing strict mandatory defences, offers Itauma a promising path.

On July 19 Oleksandr Usyk defends his WBO, WBC, and WBA titles against IBF champion Daniel Dubois at Wembley Stadium, aiming to reclaim undisputed status.

Joseph Parker, the interim champion and mandatory challenger, is poised to face the winner, likely in early 2026.

Justis Huni, the current number one contender, meets Itauma’s gym-mate Fabio Wardley on June 7. Should Wardley win, Huni may lose his ranking, potentially elevating Itauma to the top spot.

However, with Usyk’s possible retirement and Dubois or Parker as potential champions by 2026, Itauma would need to defeat one of the division’s elite to claim the WBO belt.

His number two ranking positions him well, but a marquee win in 2025 will be crucial.

IBF

Champion - Daniel Dubois
Interim champion - N/A
Mandatory challenger - Derek Chisora
No.1 contender - Position vacant
Where is Itauma? - Ranked #7

The IBF, with its competitive rankings, presents a dynamic opportunity for Itauma.

The latest rankings, released on May 12, saw him climb to number seven, behind Filip Hrgovic, Anthony Joshua, Frank Sanchez, Efe Ajagba, and Derek Chisora.

With Usyk v Dubois 2 in place, the IBF belt may remain with Dubois or become vacant.

A title eliminator between Sanchez and Hrgovic, with purse bids due on May 22, could clear a path for Itauma to target a top contender.

A bout against Chisora, a British veteran, could captivate UK fans and boost Itauma’s profile, though his relative inexperience over 12 rounds is a risk.

A standout win in 2025 could position him for an IBF title shot by late 2026.

WBC

Champion - Oleksandr Usyk
Interim champion - Agit Kabayel
Mandatory challenger - Agit Kabayel
No.1 contender - Lawrence Okolie
Where is Itauma? Unranked

The WBC, with its prestigious green and gold belt, is currently out of Itauma’s reach.

The latest rankings, released on May 12, exclude him, as he has yet to contest a WBC-affiliated title.

His victories, including the WBA International and WBO Inter-Continental belts won against McKean, have not translated to WBC recognition.

To enter the rankings, Itauma could target a regional title, such as the WBC Silver or International belt, often a gateway to the top 15.

With Usyk facing Dubois and Kabayel as the mandatory challenger, the WBC title picture is crowded.

Political factors, such as promoter alliances, may delay Itauma’s shot, making this the least likely route for a 2026 title fight.

WBA

Champion - Oleksandr Usyk
Regular champion - Kubrat Pulev
Interim champion - Vacant
Mandatory challenger - N/A
No.1 contender - Fabio Wardley
Where is Itauma? Ranked #3

The WBA, notorious for its multiple titles, offers Itauma a realistic target through its ‘Regular’ belt, a secondary title below Usyk’s ‘Super’ championship.

Ranked number three, Itauma is well-placed. The winner of Wardley v Huni on June 7 will claim the interim belt and mandatory challenger status.

Meanwhile, Kubrat Pulev must defend his ‘Regular’ title against Michael Hunter, with a purse bid hearing set for May 27.

Itauma could challenge the winner by late 2025, securing a belt that, while not the premier title, would enhance his bargaining power.

Facing Pulev or Hunter would test Itauma’s readiness, but his knockout power could prove decisive.

This route offers his fastest path to a title fight.

What is Moses Itauma's best path to a world title?

Moses Itauma’s journey to a world title is likely to culminate in 2026.

The WBA’s ‘Regular’ belt offers the clearest path, potentially pitting him against Pulev or Hunter by year-end.

The WBO’s number two ranking positions him for a shot if Usyk retires or Parker claims the title, though he’d need a defining win in the mean time.

The IBF is viable if Itauma can climb past veterans like Chisora, while the WBC remains a long shot without a ranking.

If Usyk defeats Dubois and retires, vacant belts could accelerate Itauma’s chance.

Regardless of the path, his speed, power, and ambition make him a formidable contender.

Britain’s next heavyweight champion is not a question of if, but when - and 2026 could be his year!