The 21-year-old has yet to face an opponent that can hand him a defeat.
Moses Itauma claimed his 14th professional win this weekend by stopping Jermaine Franklin in the fifth round.
The victory puts Itauma one step closer to challenging for world honours.
After the fight, the WBO President Gustavo Olivieri took to X to reveal that the 21-year-old had earned a shot at heavyweight gold.
His post read: “In light of Moses Itauma’s current position as the #1 WBO world-rated contender, and having defeated world-rated contender Jermaine Franklin by knockout in defence of his WBO Inter-Continental Heavyweight Championship, he has further affirmed his standing within the division as a rising star.
“Accordingly, I will formally recommend to the Championship Committee that Mr. Itauma be designated as the Mandatory Challenger in the WBO Heavyweight Division.”
Being installed as mandatory challenger will set Moses Itauma up to face the winner of Fabio Wardley vs Daniel Dubois.
They meet on May 9 at Manchester’s Co-op Live, with Wardley’s burgundy and gold strap on the line.
As well as the chance to share the ring with one of the hottest prospects in British boxing.
However, should Wardley make a successful defence, it’s unlikely he will face the 21-year-old star, given they are stablemates.
Both of the heavy hitters are trained by Ben Davison, which could complicate a potential match-up.
Itauma explained: “I think Fabio can [beat Dubois]. Fabio keeps surprising everyone. If you write him off he’ll end up smashing Dubois out.
“You don’t really know what to expect from Fabio, but I’d probably say Fabio wins.
“He’s obviously in the same gym as me, so that would be a sticky predicament.
“Everything can make sense, it all makes sense.”
Re: WBO Heavyweight Division
In light of Moses Itauma’s current position as the #1 WBO world-rated contender, and having defeated world-rated contender Jermaine Franklin by knockout in defense of his WBO Inter-Continental Heavyweight Championship, he has further affirmed his…
— Gustavo Olivieri, Esq. (@OlivieriLaw) March 28, 2026
Want to get the latest boxing news direct to your phone? Join our WhatsApp community by clicking here.
