Major rival of Usyk? Or fight with gym mate? - The potential world title routes for Moses Itauma

Moses Itauma added another impressive knockout to his ledger when he stopped the durable Jermaine Franklin in the fifth round in Manchester . 

Itauma’s performance has increased talk that he is ready for a world title and his promoter, Frank Warren, has indicated that such an opportunity could come this year. 

But what route will Itauma go down? 

Queensberry/Leigh Dawney

For now, the WBA appears to be the clearest path with Murat Gassiev their regular belt holder perhaps being the best chance to grab a portion of the title. 

Although Oleksandr Usyk is the full champion, Itauma landing the regular version would provide him with something to celebrate whilst also opening the door for a showdown with Usyk. 

Gassiev has made an indifferent start to life at heavyweight after a successful run at cruiserweight where he eventually lost to Usyk but a stoppage win against Kubrat Pulev last December provided a reminder what the Eastern European is capable of.  

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Moses Itauma becomes boxing superstar with destructive knockout

Watch Itauma vs. Franklin fight highlights

 

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Another road for Itauma to go down is the WBO direction after they installed Itauma as their mandatory challenger following his win over Franklin. 

Fabio Wardley is the current champion, but he trains alongside Itauma at Ben Davison’s gym so that fight is already a non-started. 

Wardley defends his crown against Daniel Dubois on May 9 , and if the latter can grab success, Dubois vs Itauma for the heavyweight title could become Britain’s latest stadium encounter. 

All eyes will be on that fight and if Dubois can get the win, Itauma may see that as a good chance to become heavyweight champion. 

With Agit Kabayel remaining unmoved with the WBC as he awaits a shot at Usyk, Itauma will have to wait to compete for the green and gold belt as the unbeaten German continues to be patient. 

Itauma is ranked number 11 with the IBF so there will be no title shot with that governing body just yet, but his win over Franklin may see his ranking increase. 

For now, the WBA and WBO appear to be Itauma’s quickest route to the top of the division and after May 9, his position will become even clearer.

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