Moses Itauma reinforced his position as boxing’s most promising young star with a destructive first-round knockout of former world title challenger Dillian Whyte at Riyadh, Saudi Arabia’s ANB Arena - live on DAZN PPV.

Yet to have been tested or chin-checked, questions over the 20-year-old’s credentials as the heavyweight division’s future king were raised in the build-up to the fight. Plenty, however, had seen enough of Itauma’s evident talent to anoint him heir-apparent, perhaps prematurely so.

Those sitting firmly in the latter of those two camps will be left with wry smiles difficult to rub off, as any lingering questions were answered in serious style by Itauma (13-0, 11 KOs), who now looks to be a fight or two away from a world title shot.

The youngster looked laser-focussed and incredibly assured as he strolled his way down to the ring to stand opposite a man who had only lost to world championship opposition previously.

Itauma landed at will before stopping compatriot Whyte inside the opening two minutes after a barrage of shots the Body Snatcher simply couldn't deal with. It was a right hook which finished the fight.

Itauma said in the ring after: "I saw [Whyte] was doing exactly what Ben was saying and after like the first minute, I keep seeing this happen, I can't miss it. Yeah, we executed the game plan

"What's next, what's next, what's next? Honestly, I'll fight anyone they put in front of you, so shout a couple names and I'm there. Listen, Joseph Parker, Joseph Parker, Agit Kabayel - chuck me in with that lot.

"Maybe Parker's a good fight, onto bigger and better things. I'm only 20 years old, maybe 10 or 15 years left of my career, you're going to be seeing more of this face. If I get the opportunity, 100 per cent [will be world champion in 2026].

Frank Warren said: "He's done everything that's been asked, he's the most unbelievable finisher. The game plan they put together, Ben and the team, they got it perfect, absolutely perfect.

"I thought it'd be a bit longer than that, he did it in style. He catches you, doesn't get flustered, every shot he throws is hurtful and well-measured."

Chatham’s Itauma remains atop the WBO heavyweight rankings as its No. 1 contender and, with current champion Oleksandr Usyk injured, it’s becoming more and more likely the burgundy belt is the first the Ukrainian chooses to relinquish. Itauma and ‘interim’ champion Parker, who hasn’t fought for a world title in over seven years, will be lying in wait.