Moses Itauma’s rise to the #1 spot in the WBO heavyweight rankings has set off alarm bells across the boxing world following his two-round destruction of Mike Balogun on Saturday in Glasgow. While the 20-year-old remains unbeaten at 12-0 (10 KOs), critics are calling the move premature and undeserved, questioning the meritocracy of the WBO’s decision.
Balogun is a former football player with no notable wins on his resume, and his only prior step-up ended in a second-round knockout loss to Murat Gassiev. Itauma, brimming with confidence after the win, was met with an avalanche of skepticism online, with fans and pundits labeling his ranking a result of “favoritism” rather than a reflection of in-ring accomplishments.
Watch Itauma's immediate reaction to KOs: Watch
“He needs to fight some quality people,” said Martin Bakole, one of several heavyweights who believe Itauma hasn’t earned his place. “They gave him someone who is a bum. He needs a real test if he wants to be a world champion.”
The WBO’s decision has reignited debate around sanctioning bodies and the need for reform. Itauma has yet to face a single top-15 contender, while proven names like Filip Hrgovic, Bakhodir Jalolov, and Joseph Parker wait in the wings with far deeper resumes. Many view the elevation as an effort to position Itauma for a world title shot before Oleksandr Usyk retires.
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