Moses Itauma is being touted for a long reign atop the heavyweight division, but former WBO cruiserweight world champion, Johnny Nelson, believes that there is one divisional rival that the youngster should avoid facing.

Itauma has stopped 12 of his 14 opponents to date, and is yet to fight beyond the sixth round during his professional career. However, the Kent-based youngster is on the verge of a shot at the heavyweight throne, with an August clash with Filip Hrgovic seemingly the only obstacle to his world title bid.

The 21-year-old is currently the WBO mandatory challenger and has also been ordered for a fight with Frank Sanchez for the vacant IBF heavyweight world title, following Oleksandr Usyk’s vacation of the belt.

Although, it is still unknown whether Itauma will pursue Sanchez or instead decided to challenge newly crowned WBA heavyweight ruler, Murat Gassiev, who was recently elevated to full world champion and uccessfully defended it for the first time after stopping late substitute opponent, Peter Kadiru, in round six.

Speaking to talkSPORT, Nelson declared that Itauma should opt for the IBF route, believing that Gassiev could be a difficult proposition for the relatively inexperienced Briton and that he should instead agree to take on Cuba’s Sanchez.

“Gassiev is a good fighter, he boxed Usyk and he caused him problems. He is a clever guy, so I wouldn’t go there yet for Moses. 

“[I would rather he fight Frank] Sanchez.”

Itauma-Hrgovic takes place on Saturday, August 29, at the O2 Arena, as Itauma headlines in London for the first time, seeking yet another performance that gets the world of boxing talking of his potential once again.