Heavyweight prospect Moses Itauma has been warned away from a fight with Joseph Parker.
Itauma has faced comparisons to heavyweight icon Mike Tyson, and has already forged a fearsome reputation at the age of just 20, winning all of his 11 professional outings so far.
The heavy-handed Briton has already landed a No.2 world ranking with the WBO, which could see him in a position to land a future shot for the interim title.
And that belt is currently held by experienced New Zealander Joseph Parker, who has been ordered to face Oleksandr Usyk for a world title shot.
Itauma is taking his career steady despite previous plans to become the youngest ever world heavyweight champion.
And Parker’s trainer, Andy Lee, has suggested Itauma could be in trouble if he steps up to face the former world champion.
He told The Ring: “Look, Moses is a hell of a fighter but if he were to step in with Joe Parker it’s a big ask for him.
“It’s a big step up for him. In fact it’s a massive step up for him. You’re daring be great and all, but you’re also running the risk of hurting him.
“You’re getting a young fighter very hurt. He’s only a young guy and then how does that affect him for the rest of his career? I don’t know.
“I saw them spar. It was four rounds. It was very competitive. But for four rounds, everyone can be competitive.
“If Joe’s going to do four rounds with another guy after that, and then another four rounds after that with another guy, you’re going to do well.
“And it wasn’t as if he did particularly well they were just competitive rounds. Joe probably got the better of it, but it was very competitive.
“We know him well and we really like him. To be honest we had a great time with him and we missed him when he left.”
Itauma is unlikely to land a shot at Parker next with his potential rival’s priorities on enforcing his title shot.
The pair have clearly spent sparring rounds together, with the young contender having also learned from Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua.
He spent time in Parker’s camp before his famous decision win over Zhilei Zhang in March 2024.
But it is the widespread opinion of the boxing fraternity that he will be the the division’s next biggest star, providing he comes through his early fights unscathed.
A next fight has yet to be announced for Itauma who will be looking to make yet another gradual step-up.
He was linked with a shot at the WBA ‘regular’ champion Kubrat Pulev, but it appears Fabio Wardley will beat him to the clash.
But he has also been called out by Anthony Joshua’s former rival Charles Martin, who is keen to host him in another step-up.
He said: “Right now, he has been stopping everyone quick, but it is real different when another puncher is coming back at you.
“Let’s see if he can take it as good as he gives it. I want another title shot.
“And I know knocking off a young, strong guy that everyone’s talking about would line me up for someone like Daniel Dubois.
“Right now, I am fresh and feel in my prime. I can KO anyone in the world, including a 20-year-old.”
