Moses Itauma Climbs to No. 1 WBA Ranking, Boosting Hopes of Usyk Showdown

Rising British Heavyweight Star Climbs WBA Rankings

Moses Itauma has been handed a significant boost to his career aspirations after the World Boxing Association (WBA) ranked him as the number one contender in the heavyweight division. The move gives the 20-year-old British fighter yet another path toward a potential world title showdown with Oleksandr Usyk, boxing’s reigning undisputed heavyweight champion.

Itauma’s climb up the rankings has been meteoric, reflecting both his flawless professional record and his devastating performances inside the ring. The Slovakian-born prospect, who fights out of the UK, already earned the number one spot in the World Boxing Organization (WBO) back in May. Now, with two sanctioning bodies placing him at the top of their lists, Itauma is firmly in the conversation for a future world title fight.

A Double No. 1 Ranking

For a fighter still just 20 years old, Moses Itauma’s ascent is remarkable. With a professional record of 13-0, including 11 knockouts, he has quickly forced his way into the upper tier of the heavyweight division.

At the time of writing, Itauma holds:

• No. 1 in the WBA

• No. 1 in the WBO

• No. 6 in the IBF (International Boxing Federation)

• No. 9 in the WBC (World Boxing Council)

These standings make Itauma one of the most highly ranked young fighters across the four major sanctioning bodies. His recent victory over Dillian Whyte in August, where he stopped the former world title challenger in under two minutes, solidified his reputation as a legitimate contender. That performance pushed him ahead of Michael Hunter, who had been sitting atop the WBA rankings since July.

Oleksandr Usyk: The Undisputed Roadblock

The biggest challenge for Moses Itauma, and indeed any heavyweight hopeful, is the presence of Oleksandr Usyk at the top of the division. Usyk currently holds all four major titles, making him the undisputed champion.

Usyk’s position complicates the mandatory challenger process. When one fighter holds all the belts, the sanctioning bodies typically rotate which organization gets to call a mandatory defense. At present, the WBO has ordered Usyk to face interim champion Joseph Parker, although the Ukrainian star has requested a delay due to injury.

If Usyk cannot meet all the mandatory obligations, there is a strong possibility he will vacate one or more belts. That could open the door for fighters like Itauma, who are highly placed in multiple rankings.

Itauma’s Rise: From Prospect to Contender

Moses Itauma’s journey to this point has been rapid but calculated. In December 2024, he claimed the WBO International belt after knocking out Demsey McKean in Saudi Arabia. That victory propelled him into the WBO’s top rankings, and his career momentum only grew stronger in 2025.

The knockout of Whyte not only boosted his visibility but also demonstrated his power against a proven heavyweight. Whyte had previously shared the ring with Anthony Joshua, Tyson Fury, and Alexander Povetkin, making Itauma’s quick dismantling even more impressive.

Itauma’s youth, power, and composure inside the ring have drawn comparisons to some of boxing’s greatest heavyweights. Many see him as a future star capable of carrying the division for years to come.

The Complicated WBA Title Picture

Although Itauma now sits at No. 1 with the WBA, the sanctioning body’s unique structure makes the path to a title fight less straightforward. The WBA currently has three different heavyweight champions:

• Oleksandr Usyk – the “Super” champion and undisputed king of the division.

• Kubrat Pulev – the “Regular” champion, a title considered secondary to the main belt.

• Fabio Wardley – the “Interim” champion.

This layered system means that while Itauma is technically the top contender, it is uncertain whether he will immediately be positioned to fight Usyk. Instead, he may be ordered to face Pulev or Wardley, depending on how the WBA handles its championship hierarchy.

Still, the No. 1 ranking dramatically improves Itauma’s bargaining power and strengthens his claim for a high-profile fight.

Interest in a Usyk Showdown

Moses Itauma has already expressed his desire to face Oleksandr Usyk. Following his victory over Whyte, Itauma openly said he would “love” to fight the Ukrainian champion, even acknowledging that others might be first in line.

Usyk himself is one of the sport’s most accomplished fighters, having unified cruiserweight titles before moving up and conquering the heavyweight division. A matchup between Usyk and Itauma would be a classic clash of experience versus youth — a generational battle between the reigning king and the division’s brightest prospect.

Boxing fans have also taken notice, especially since Turki Alalshikh, a major power broker in the sport, has reportedly shown interest in facilitating the fight. With Saudi Arabia emerging as a new hub for marquee boxing events, Itauma may find his opportunity arriving sooner rather than later.

What Comes Next for Itauma?

The immediate future for Moses Itauma remains uncertain but promising. His high rankings mean he is eligible for several potential fights:

1. Challenging Kubrat Pulev – The Bulgarian veteran currently holds the WBA’s “Regular” belt. A matchup against Pulev would test Itauma against an experienced fighter while potentially securing him a world title.

2. Facing Fabio Wardley – The British interim champion is another possible opponent. A domestic clash between Itauma and Wardley would attract significant attention in the UK boxing scene.

3. Waiting for Usyk’s Decision – If Usyk vacates one or more belts, Itauma could be elevated or ordered to fight another contender for a vacant championship.

Regardless of which route unfolds, Itauma’s No. 1 status ensures that his path toward a world title is clearer than ever.

Usyk’s Injury and Mandatory Dilemmas

Usyk’s current situation also directly affects Itauma’s chances. The Ukrainian champion requested more time before negotiating with Joseph Parker due to an injury. If the WBO grants the postponement, Itauma may need to wait his turn. If not, Usyk may vacate the WBO belt, creating an immediate opportunity for fighters like Itauma to contest for a newly available world title.

Sanctioning bodies often shuffle their orders and mandatory lists, so Itauma’s placement across multiple organizations makes him a strong candidate no matter what happens.

A Future Heavyweight Star

At just 20 years old, Moses Itauma is already rewriting expectations in the heavyweight division. Most fighters his age are still climbing through early prospect stages, but Itauma has positioned himself as a legitimate world title contender. His combination of youth, size, and knockout power makes him one of the most dangerous rising fighters in the sport.

Fans and analysts alike believe that it is only a matter of time before Itauma gets his shot at a world title. Whether it comes against Usyk, Pulev, Wardley, or another contender, his rapid rise has made him impossible to ignore.

Conclusion: Itauma’s Road to Glory

Moses Itauma’s No. 1 WBA ranking is more than just a number — it is a confirmation of his place among the elite of the heavyweight division. With the WBO also recognizing him as their top contender, Itauma now holds leverage across multiple organizations.

While the picture remains complicated due to Usyk’s undisputed reign and the WBA’s layered titles, Itauma’s youth and momentum make him a leading figure in the next generation of heavyweights. His name is now firmly in the mix for potential world title opportunities, and the dream of a blockbuster fight with Oleksandr Usyk looks closer than ever.

For boxing fans, Moses Itauma represents the excitement of the future: a young powerhouse ready to challenge the best and possibly shape the heavyweight division for the next decade.