Rising British boxing talent Moses Itauma has been cautioned against pursuing world title opportunities too early in his career.
Fellow heavyweight Dave Allen believes the 20-year-old possesses the talent but lacks the crucial experience needed to challenge a world champion currently.
Itauma`s professional record stands at 12-0. His most recent win was against Mike Balogun in the WBO Inter-Continental bout in Glasgow.
The Slovak-born Brit dropped his American opponent Balogun three times in two rounds, securing a TKO victory.
WBA Intercontinental Heavyweight Champion Dave Allen offered his perspective on the promising young fighter.
Allen told talkSPORT: “I think he’s the real deal, but to go from the opposition he is facing to a Joseph Parker would be irresponsible matchmaking.”
Allen added that despite talk of Itauma competing for a world title soon, “he is miles off it right now.”
“He can beat anyone in two or three rounds at the moment. But we haven’t seen him go past that yet,” Allen explained.
“I think he’s an incredible prospect, but that’s all he is still.”
The rising heavyweight star turned professional two years ago and has already secured 10 knockouts.
Allen acknowledged Itauma`s talent but suggested he should follow a more gradual path towards a world title shot.
“We haven’t even seen him box for a British title yet. Demsey McKean is British title level, he shouldn’t be in that conversation for Joseph Parker yet,” Allen stated.
He elaborated: “Not for talent, offensively he is already one of the best heavyweights in the world. But he hasn’t been hit back and hasn’t been hit under pressure.”
Allen proposed Anthony Joshua`s past opponent, Jermaine Franklin, as an ideal opponent to test Itauma beyond the early rounds.
“We need to see him in with someone who gives him a fight, I think someone like Jermaine Franklin,” the 33-year-old said.
“I think he can become world champion, but talk of titles right now is just too much, he’s miles off.”
Itauma, who is promoted by Frank Warren, was initially speculated to potentially break Mike Tyson`s record as the youngest world heavyweight champion, needing to win a title by the age of 20 years and four months.
He is likely to return to the ring on July 19th, featuring on the undercard of Oleksandr Usyk`s rematch with Daniel Dubois.
