Moses Itauma is poised to return to action in July, and in the eyes of ex-cruiserweight world champion Tony Bellew, there is one former heavyweight ruler that he would like to see the 21-year-old take on.

Itauma has knocked out 12 of his 14 opponents so far in his professional career and finds himself on the verge of a title bid, despite having never fought beyond six rounds.

On Saturday night, Jermaine Franklin attempted to provide that durability and, to his credit, he became the first man to survive more than two rounds with Itauama in almost three years, as he was halted in round five.

During the aftermath, promoter Frank Warren revealed a July fight date before a possible world title contest for Itauma by the end of the year, assumed to be against Russia’s Murat Gassiev – who currently holds the WBA Regular title.

On social media, Bellew picked out former unified heavyweight titleholder and Anthony Joshua rival, Andy Ruiz Jr, as one name that he would like Itauma to take on prior to his attempt at claiming a heavyweight crown.

“Only a couple of opponents could test him tbh. Andy Ruiz is another step in the right direction imo!

“I think he should have faced him instead of Franklin as we still haven’t learned anything about something coming back at him.

“He’s an exceptional talent though that cannot be disputed.”

Ruiz has not won a fight since September 2022, fighting to a majority-draw against Jared Miller in his solitary outing of the last 43 months.