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Moses Itauma's Recent Win and Controversial WBO Ranking: A Rising Star or Premature Recognition?
- Austin Jones
- 2 hours ago
- 3 min read
Moses Itauma's Recent Win and Controversial WBO Ranking: A Rising Star or Premature Recognition?
Moses Itauma, the 20-year-old British heavyweight, has recently been making waves in the boxing world with a dominant second-round knockout win over Mike Balogun. However, his meteoric rise through the rankings, including a controversial #1 spot in the World Boxing Organization (WBO) heavyweight division, has sparked debate among boxing fans and experts alike.
A Crushing Knockout: Itauma vs. Balogun
On May 24, 2025, Moses Itauma faced Mike Balogun in a much-anticipated bout at the SSE Hydro in Glasgow. Itauma entered the ring with an undefeated record of 11–0, and he wasted no time asserting his dominance. The young heavyweight dropped Balogun three times during the fight—twice in the first round and once more in the second—before the referee halted the bout at 0:46 of the second round.
This victory marked Itauma's 12th consecutive win, further cementing his reputation as a rising star in the heavyweight division. With 10 knockouts to his name, Itauma's power is undeniable, and his performance against Balogun left no doubt about his potential in the sport. The win has been widely praised, with many recognizing Itauma as one of the future stars of heavyweight boxing.
The Controversial WBO Ranking
While Itauma's performance was undoubtedly impressive, his rapid ascent to the #1 spot in the WBO rankings has raised eyebrows. Critics argue that Itauma's rise to the top is premature, especially considering his relatively light competition thus far.
Many of Itauma's notable victories have come against journeymen or lesser-known fighters. Aside from his most recent win over Balogun, his other significant victories include triumphs over Mariusz Wach and Demsey McKean—fighters who are not currently ranked among the top contenders in the division. As a result, some boxing observers have called into question the legitimacy of his #1 ranking.
The main criticism lies in the fact that Itauma has yet to face many of the established names in the heavyweight division, such as Deontay Wilder, Anthony Joshua, or even contenders like Martin Bakole or Filip Hrgović. While Itauma has shown impressive skill and power, his competition has not yet provided the test necessary to justify such a high ranking.
A Question of Timing
The WBO's decision to elevate Itauma to the #1 spot has created a division within the boxing community. While some believe that the ranking reflects Itauma's potential and promise, others feel that it is too soon to place him at the top of the heavyweight division. A more realistic position, they argue, would be closer to #15, allowing Itauma time to develop further and face higher-caliber opponents.
Despite the controversy surrounding his ranking, Itauma's team remains confident in his abilities. Promoter Frank Warren has already discussed the possibility of matching Itauma against top-tier heavyweights like Martin Bakole and Filip Hrgović in the near future. These opponents could provide Itauma with the necessary experience to validate his spot among the elite of the heavyweight division.
Looking Ahead: Is Itauma Ready for the Top?
Moses Itauma's impressive knockout of Mike Balogun has solidified his status as one of the most exciting young heavyweights in boxing today. However, the questions surrounding his WBO ranking cannot be ignored. If Itauma is to prove that he belongs at the top, he will need to face and defeat some of the established stars in the heavyweight division.
As his career progresses, Itauma has expressed his desire to face top-tier competition. While he remains focused on continuing his development, he acknowledges the need for more rounds and experience to prepare for a potential title shot against current champion Oleksandr Usyk. For now, the boxing world will be watching closely as Itauma looks to continue his climb through the ranks.
In the coming months, the legitimacy of Itauma's #1 ranking will be tested. Can he prove his worth against the best in the division, or will critics be proven right in claiming that his ranking is premature? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain—Moses Itauma's future in heavyweight boxing is one to watch.