Error code: %{errorCode}
Warren pledges Itauma heavyweight title fight with Franklin promise
Frank Warren expects Moses Itauma to challenge for a world title this year, but insists he must deliver against Jermaine Franklin.
The rising heavyweight star is currently top-ranked by both the WBA and WBO, while he additionally sits third with the WBC.
Such status has led many to assume the Briton will book a title shot this year, even with questions over the future of the division.
Queensberry Promotions boss Warren is keen for his star to mount a challenge, but stresses he must deliver in his next bout too.
"He's ranked number one by two of the governing bodies and he wants to fight for a world title," he told Sky Sports News.
"He's made that very clear to me. [But] it's a tough fight [against Franklin]. We believe in him [but] it is a tough fight.
"He's going to have to be at his best, but he's very confident. "It is important to see how he comes through, what he looks like.
"He only had two fights last year. He's got to get the cobwebs out of his system. I would think [he would have a title fight this year].
"We'll all sit and look at it and make a decision. If he comes through how I hope he'll come, then I think he'll be there ready to go."
Itauma is seeking another victory after dispatching former world title challenger Dillian Whyte inside a single round last August.
Franklin, who has only been bested twice in his professional career, represents another level of foe for the star to tackle however.
Itauma wish enters muddy waters
DAZN News correspondent Andrew Steel
Moses Itauma has made no secret of his world title ambitions, and Frank Warren's latest pledge backs his star man to the hilt.
But at the same time, the star's wish to challenge for a heavyweight crown this year means a further step into muddy waters.
Oleksandr Usyk holds the WBA, WBC and IBF crowns, while Fabio Wardley will face Daniel Dubois in his WBO defence next.
With all three set to fight in May, the Ukrainian has already outlined that he wants an undisputed fight with one of the latter pair.
That would undoubtedly take priority - which, unless Usyk seeks a strap pulled, will leave Itauma stuck in the queue for now.
Sign up to DAZN Ultimate Tier to get PPVs included in your subscription
Subscribe to DAZN Ultimate Tier to get a minimum of 12 PPV events included per year, including Chisora vs. Wilder (April 4), and Wardley vs. Dubois (May 9), on top of another 185 fight nights and Serie A football.
