Seated ringside to watch stablemate Fabio Wardley's bruising WBO heavyweight title fight with Daniel Dubois, the Chatham southpaw was openly rooting for the Ipswich puncher.

Dubois had told media last week that Frank Warren, who promotes both, was wishing for a Dubois victory to set up an Itauma title fight after his fifth-round stoppage win over Jermaine Franklin on March 28.

While the Hall of Fame promoter refused to be drawn on next steps in the post-fight presser, insisting Dubois needed time to rest, he subtly sowed seeds in a prior fight week interview with BBC's Steve Bunce.

"We've got a couple guys there and will make our decision in a few weeks' time," he replied when asked whether there was an opponent shortlist for Itauma (14-0, 12 KOs).

The originally reported July 25 date has moved back a fortnight to avoid clashing with Anthony Joshua-Kristian Prenga and he will headline London's O2 Arena on August 8, though nothing is signed for an opponent.

Itauma, ranked No. 1 with the WBA and WBO, has been called out by WBA 'regular' champion Murat Gassiev (33-2, 26 KOs) and could pursue either sanctioning body title knowing Ring and unified beltholder Oleksandr Usyk will likely vacate more belts soon. Dubois winning WBO honors means Itauma is now his mandatory challenger.

Warren believes he'll be elevated to No. 1 with the WBC in due course too, although two-time former champion Tyson Fury (35-2-1, 24 KOs) rose top of the list in their May update after his 12-round points win over Arslanbek Makhmudov on April 11. Fury stressed post-fight that he's not interested in anyone not named Joshua or Usyk.

"Listen, I'm not interested in up-and-comers at all. What have I got to prove if I fight some schoolboys in the division? I'm not interested in Daniel Dubois, Moses, all these guys ... they're all great fighters, wish them all the best of luck in the world but let them people — the next generation — fight each other like I had to."

When asked about the plan, should Itauma win his second outing of the year in August, the Queensberry chief's response was unequivocal.

"Moses will box for the world title, provided he wins on August 8, at the end of the year," Warren said.

"100 percent, he'll be number one with the WBC as Lawrence Okolie has his PED situation, he's number one with the WBA and WBO. That's where he's at, how we've guided him and that's the position he's in."

Warren was complimentary of a youngster improving all the time when asked about whether he's seen changes in The Ring's No. 6-rated heavyweight with more attention and spotlight on him.

"He's had the steeliness in him from day one when I first met him. He's gone from being a teenager to a man, matured not just physically but also mentally and he's quite a well-balanced guy, articulate, things things through.

"If he continues on the path that he's on and achieves what we think he can be, he'll be an icon of British sport - not boxing - British sport, he's a very smart kid."