'His moment is approaching!' - WBO president suggests Moses Itauma now #1 heavyweight contender

Moses Itauma's world title prospects moved one step closer to fruition after Saturday night's stoppage over Mike Balogun, with the WBO suggesting he is ready for the top level.

The Briton demolished the American inside two heavyweight rounds on the undercard of Ekow Essuman's surprise victory over Josh Taylor at the OVO Hydro in Glasgow.

• Read more | Moses Itauma continues to show he is the future at heavyweight with another destructive display

With another brutal knockout performance under his belt, Itauma - still only 20 - moves to a 12-0 professional record and further underlined his rising star credentials.

His latest performance appeared enough for the WBO though, with organisation president Gustavo Olivieri confirming the star is now their top fighter in the glamour division.

"Moses Itauma has climbed the WBO rankings with talent, discipline, and electrifying performances," the Puerto Rican said on social media after the star's victory in Scotland.

"Now the [number one] world-rated heavyweight contender, his moment is approaching. It’s only a matter of time before he gets his shot & the world sees a new star emerge."

As it stands, Itauma's chances of an immediate shot remain up in the air, with Joseph Parker the current WBO interim champion and mandatory challenger to Oleksandr Usyk.

However, depending on the result of the latter's blockbuster undisputed bout with Daniel Dubois this July, live on DAZN, the star could yet face one of the three men this year.

Itauma's elevation to the top of the ranks amid a crowded division of old hands and new blood further underlines his pedigree and the expectations of future title success too.

One potential stopgap opponent could be the winner of Fabio Wardley and Justis Huni's bout next month, with the winner set to take the WBA interim title below Usyk's full belt.

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