In the always-unpredictable realm of heavyweight boxing, a new force has emerged, prompting widespread speculation and genuine excitement. At just 20 years old, British sensation Moses Itauma, boasting an immaculate 13-0 record with 11 knockouts, is not merely climbing the ranks; he`s bulldozing through them. His recent dismantling of veteran Dillian Whyte in a mere round served as less of a test and more of a definitive statement: Itauma is here, and he means business.
The immediate aftermath of such a dominant performance naturally shifts focus from “what he’s done” to “what he`ll do next.” The crucial question for trainer Ben Davison and Itauma`s team isn`t just about securing another victory, but about carefully selecting opponents who can provide the necessary rounds, expose potential weaknesses for refinement, and ultimately, validate his trajectory toward a world championship. This isn`t just about winning; it`s about strategizing the ascent. Who, then, possesses the attributes to genuinely challenge this young phenom? Three names consistently surface as viable candidates, each offering a distinct challenge for the rising star.
Filip Hrgovic: The Durability Benchmark
Croatian heavyweight Filip Hrgovic (18-1, 14 KOs) represents a compelling potential adversary. Known for his robust physicality and ability to absorb punishment, Hrgovic has proven his mettle against formidable opponents, enduring twenty grueling rounds across victories against British stalwarts Joe Joyce and David Adeleye. While his sole professional defeat came recently against Daniel Dubois, it has arguably intensified his resolve, not diminished his threat. Hrgovic views himself as a top-tier contender, and a victory over Itauma would be a significant reaffirmation of that belief.
For Itauma, a clash with Hrgovic offers invaluable experience. This isn`t just about another knockout; it`s about pushing his stamina, testing his chin, and showcasing his technical adaptability against a genuinely durable opponent. Should Itauma not only defeat Hrgovic but do so convincingly, it would send an unequivocal message to the rest of the division, propelling him further up the rankings and solidifying his claim as a legitimate threat to established champions. It`s a calculated risk, but one with potentially immense rewards.
Jermaine Franklin: The American Crucible
Any aspiring global boxing star understands the strategic importance of making an impact in the American market. For Itauma, engaging with Jermaine Franklin (23-2, 15 KOs) on American soil would be a shrewd move. Franklin, a Michigan native, carries an interesting resume: while he suffered back-to-back defeats to Dillian Whyte and Anthony Joshua, critically, he took both encounters the full championship distance. This particular attribute makes him an ideal benchmark for Itauma.
A fight with Franklin isn`t solely about adding another name to the win column; it`s a litmus test for Itauma`s power and ability to break down a resilient opponent over an extended period. Many will be observing to see if Itauma can achieve what Whyte and Joshua couldn`t: a stoppage victory. Such a definitive win would not only significantly bolster Itauma’s rapidly expanding professional record but also markedly enhance his international profile, signaling his readiness to command attention on boxing`s grandest stages. Franklin, for his part, must first safely navigate his upcoming bout against Ivan Dychko, but assuming he does, he remains a very relevant proposition.
Martin Bakole: The Reclaiming of the `Bogeyman` Moniker
Once touted as the heavyweight division`s “bogeyman” – a fighter few were eager to face – Congolese giant Martin Bakole (21-2-1, 16 KOs) has seen his career momentum stall. A short-notice, first-round knockout loss to Joseph Parker in early 2025, followed by a 10-round draw against Efe Ajagba, has raised questions about his consistency and preparation. Despite these recent setbacks, Bakole remains a physically imposing force with genuine knockout power, making him a compelling, albeit volatile, option for Itauma.
Facing Bakole offers Itauma the opportunity to confront a heavyweight of significant stature and power, a crucial experience for any fighter aiming for the top. A decisive victory over Bakole would serve as concrete evidence of Itauma`s ability to handle the division`s heavy hitters, potentially dissolving any lingering doubts about his championship credentials. For Bakole, it`s an opportunity to reclaim some of his lost mystique by testing one of the division`s brightest prospects. For Itauma, it`s about proving he can not only beat, but decisively defeat, a fighter with a reputation for brute strength, further cementing his confidence as he marches towards a world title shot.
