Tony Bellew and Dave Allen trade blows discussing Moses Itauma's world title prospects

Moses Itauma can become a heavyweight world champion within the next year according to Tony Bellew, as the rising star prepares to face Dillian Whyte in Riyadh this month.

The hotly-tipped prospect, backed by many within the sport to reach the summit, is currently ranked #1 by the WBO and theoretically in line for a title shot sooner rather than later.

Whyte represents the toughest test of his career so far, live on DAZN Pay-Per-View, but if Itauma comes through with another showreel performance, the sky seems to be the limit.

Speaking on DAZN's Split Decision, former cruiserweight champion Bellew believes that the 20-year-old's technical skill means he has the tools to claim a major strap imminently.

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"I think the division isn't that strong when it comes to the amount of ability that he has," he said. "I don't think anyone else has that actual amount of ability.

"What he lacks in experience, he makes up for in clear ability. [Frank Warren is] putting him in with Dillian Whyte next. It tells you everything you need to know.

"Dillian has beaten the likes of Joseph Parker, he's beaten the top heavyweights.  The matchmaking tells you all you need to know, What's the next step after Dillian Whyte?

"Who is there? For me, the Dillian Whyte match is a clever fight to make. If he comes through that with flying colours, they'll let him off the leash."

Fellow heavyweight Dave Allen however believes that championship prospects are too soon for Itauma to consider however, even as he backs him to defeat Whyte.

Pointing out the slew of major names such as Oleksandr Usyk, Tyson Fury and Daniel Dubois who could still occupy the top of the division, the star thinks he has his work cut out.

"Within the year is pretty soon," he added. "He's not boxed anybody yet really, he's not boxed anybody inside the top fifty. Usyk's still around. You've got Dubois. You've got Fury.

"[They're] going to be around for the next twelve months. I can't see him being champion any time soon. I think he could [win a world title], but we haven't seen him get hit back.

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"He hasn't gone the rounds, he hasn't really boxed anyone above domestic level. It's a guessing game. He's got the talent, but there's more questions than answers."

Darren Barker meanwhile believes there could be pushback from key faces around the fighter, suggesting they may be reluctant to push him higher at such an early age.

"I think he would go for the opportunity, but I don't know if the team would put him in there anywhere," he said. "Skillset, he's definitely got enough to be able to win a world title.

"But what's the rush? Once you get to that level, and if you win it, there's no going back. I think he will be a world champion, but not right now."

Watch Itauma vs Whyte live on DAZN

You can watch Moses Itauma vs Dillian Whyte live on DAZN on August 16. More information is available here.