Moses Itauma backed to become world champion by end of 2026 as promoter sets out timeline

Moses Itauma’s promoter, Frank Warren, thinks he could fight for a world title in 2026 if he beats Jermaine Franklin.

Itauma will be back in action on January 24 when he shares the ring with Franklin in Manchester.

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While Franklin might have been dismissed by many, both Itauma and his manager have acknowledged that the American brings challenges that he has yet to face.

That being said, Warren is confident that the rising star has what it takes to get past Franklin.

He explained on talkSPORT’s White&Jordan: “We’ve got a really, really good quality fight with Moses against Jermaine Franklin.

“You know, he’s never been stopped, and this is a tough fight for him.

“I think this is going to be the fight that will set [Itauma] up.

“I hope he comes through, and it will set him up this year to challenge for a world title.”

What is the plan for Moses Itauma in 2026?

Itauma is set to face his first challenge of the year, which will inevitably set the tone for the rest of his endeavours in the ring.

The 21-year-old has made clear his intentions of winning world titles in 2026, and Warren is backing him all the way to the top.

Warren was asked by talkSPORT’s Simon Jordan whether or not Itauma should use his clash with Franklin to bank more rounds.

He explained: “People say to you that you want to get rounds under you.

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“But you’re putting him in with fighters that you feel he will get rounds out of, and that’s the feeling with Jermaine.

“As I say, he’s never been stopped.

“He’s done 12 rounds and went the distance with AJ, I think it was four years ago. That’s a good AJ, four years ago.

“Same thing with Dillian Whyte, and a lot of people thought he actually nicked that fight. He won that fight.

“So this is a tough opponent for him. If he blasts him out in one or two rounds, I haven’t got a problem with that.

“You know, you don’t get paid overtime in boxing. You catch him, they go, and that’s it.

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“He’s capable of doing that. That’s why he’s so exciting and that’s why people are buying into him.

“It’s a great show in Manchester. We’ve got seven fights on it. It’s another magnificent show, it’s [nearly] sold out.

“I feel that if Moses comes through this fight, I think he sets himself up for fighting for a world title, as I said earlier, before the end of the year.

“Maybe even becoming the youngest Brit to ever win a world title.”

Itauma certainly has the chance to cement his name in boxing’s history books.

Especially as he is already being linked with fights against the biggest heavyweight names.