In the heavyweight division, there is nearly always a fighter on the way up who is expected to one day become world champion. The current era’s can’t-miss prospect is Moses Itauma.

Before he turned professional there were whispers in gyms from those in the know that the then-teenager was special. Once into the paid ranks he himself made it clear that he hoped to become the youngest heavyweight titlist in history. He didn’t quite manage that but, no matter, the 21-year-old is still racing in the right direction.

On Saturday, he takes on Jermaine Franklin in his latest test. Nobody expects Franklin to last long, much less win the fight. Already, people are pondering what comes next for Itauma, 13-0 (11 KOs).

The Slovakia-born Briton will have a choice to make. Ordered by the WBC to take part in a final eliminator against Lawrence Okolie, and named as the leading contender by the WBA, his next fight – presuming he gets past Franklin – is likely to be his first scheduled over the 12-round distance. And with Murat Gassiev holding that WBA ‘regular’ strap, and Itauma’s handlers previously voicing their desire to chase that belt, the Russian is a realistic option. 

Hence why, even without his own fight on the horizon, Gassiev is suddenly being encouraged to talk to journalists. Building Gassiev vs. Itauma as a viable title fight starts now.

Gassiev, 33-2 (26 KOs), won that title when he cracked Kubrat Pulev with such force in the sixth round of their December showdown that the wily veteran did not beat the count. Gassiev, a former beltholder at cruiserweight, is used to facing world class opposition. And until we can say that same about Itauma, Gassiev reckons, we should hold off on the hype.

“Itauma is a young boxer, fast and strong,” Gassiev said.

“He hasn’t had any 12-round fights or even 10-round fights. He hasn’t been in really tough situations and he hasn’t taken any shots. This is the heavyweight division. Guys over 100 kilos can change a fight in an instant. You can look at [Andy] Ruiz vs. [Anthony] Joshua as an example."

Gassiev is of course referring to the 2019 upset of the year when Ruiz, after being dropped himself, stunned Joshua in seven rounds to win three of four heavyweight titles. Should Franklin do the same to Itauma at the weekend it will be every bit as surprsing.

“Back then, Ruiz was brought in like a bum," said Gassiev. "Just to show up and box a little and he dropped Joshua, simply shocked him, even though nobody gave him a chance. So, it’s hard to predict.

“He’s a good guy, a strong boxer – like many other fighters. It’s hard to say [how far he can go] because one punch can end everything.”