Moses Itauma told Dev Sahni that matchmaking issues weren't something he had to concern himself with, though it should be a little easier to tempt bigger names into facing the 20-year-old now.

The Ring's Prospect of the Year for 2024, Itauma (12-0, 10 KOs) kicked off his campaign with a trio of thunderous knockdowns in less than two completed rounds as he made easy work of former American football linebacker Mike Balogun (21-2, 16 KOs).

An hour after the third defence of his WBO Inter-Continental title — a belt once held by Joseph Parker, Oleksandr Usyk and Tyson Fury among others — the sanctioning body's president shared an unexpected update on social media.

Gustavo Olivieri was impressed with another stoppage win, saying:

"Moses has climbed the WBO rankings with talent, discipline, and electrifying performances. Now the #1 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. #NewEra"

As expected, the comment caused some consternation from fans believing the Chatham southpaw was receiving preferential treatment by being rewarded with a top ranking without the resume to support such a distinction.

Olivieri replied to select fans, including one who noted unbeaten Australian contender Justis Huni (12-0, 7 KOs) didn't have the same fanfare and described a matchup between the pair as "fireworks between two young lions," while saying he'd be "ready in due course" for unified heavyweight champion Usyk, who rematches Itauma's stablemate Daniel Dubois on July 19.

Parker (36-3, 23 KOs) captured the WBO's interim world championship after a 12-round majority decision win over Zhilei Zhang in March 2024 and has willingly stepped aside for Usyk-Dubois II, set to headline a bumper bill at London's Wembley Stadium.

He scored a second-round stoppage win over late stand-in opponent Martin Bakole (21-2, 16 KOs) in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on Feb. 22, less than 48 hours after illness forced Dubois out of their proposed IBF title showdown.