BRITISH heavyweight sensation Moses Itauma, 13-0 (11 KOs), continues to ascend the heights of the heavy-hitting ranks in rapid fashion, with many wondering who in the glamour division can test him.
His most recent bout saw the 20-year-old blitz fellow British icon Dillian Whyte, 31-4 (24 KOs), in the first round of their scheduled 10-round fight in Saudi Arabia, further showcasing his potential at the early stages of his professional career.
Heading into just his 13th fight as a professional, some thought Whyte could prove tricky for Itauma, but the young powerhouse proved otherwise, brutally stopping the veteran without a hint of doubt.
The question now moves to who is next to try and calm the destructive storm guided by trainer Ben Davison, as Itauma edges closer to world title contention. Several intriguing matchups have begun to emerge, each offering unique challenges.
Filip Hrgovic
Croatian heavyweight Filip Hrgovic, 18-1 (14 KOs), could provide a stern test for Moses Itauma as his team continues to search for an opponent capable of giving him valuable rounds.
Hrgovic arrives off a string of impressive victories, having defeated British duo Joe Joyce and David Adeleye over the course of 20 gruelling rounds, testing the 33-year-old’s durability and chin to their limits.
The only blemish on Hrgovic’s record came in 2024 against Daniel Dubois, 22-3 (21 KOs), a defeat that has only intensified his desire to prove he remains a top contender in the division. A win over Itauma would certainly reaffirm his status as a formidable heavyweight force.
For Itauma, this matchup offers an opportunity to test his stamina, resolve, and technical adaptability against a durable, experienced opponent.
Beyond the challenge itself, a strong performance would propel Itauma further up the rankings and bring him a step closer to world title contention.
Jermaine Franklin
Cracking the American market is always a key target for any top British star, and there is little doubt that promoter Frank Warren will aim to turn Moses Itauma into a global name.
Travelling across the Atlantic to face Jermaine Franklin, 23-2 (15 KOs), would give Itauma the chance to test himself against a seasoned American contender while capturing the attention of boxing fans worldwide.
The Michigan native suffered back-to-back defeats to Whyte and Anthony Joshua, 28-4 (24 KOs), yet he took both fights the full championship distance, providing Itauma with a valuable benchmark to measure his own abilities against other elite heavyweights.
A stoppage victory over Franklin would not only add another impressive achievement to Itauma’s rapidly growing resume but also enhance his international profile, bringing him one step closer to the dizzying heights of the heavyweight division. Franklin must first navigate a way safely past Ivan Dychko on the Canelo undercard.
Martin Bakole
Once labelled the ‘bogeyman’ of the heavyweight division, Congolese giant Martin Bakole, 21-2-1 (16 KOs), has seen his career stall following a first-round stoppage defeat to Joseph Parker in early 2025.
The loss came on very short notice, with Bakole reportedly accepting a huge payday that was too good to turn down. His most recent bout, a 10-round draw against Nigerian contender Efe Ajagba, 20-1-1 (14 KOs), in Riyadh, again raised questions about his conditioning and preparation.
Despite these setbacks, Bakole remains a formidable and durable test for Itauma. Facing a heavyweight of his size and knockout power would allow Itauma to add a recognised name to his growing resume while honing his skills against a physically imposing opponent.
A stoppage victory over Bakole would serve as concrete evidence that Itauma can handle the division’s heavy hitters, potentially removing any doubts and freeing him to chase a world championship with full confidence.
