Atlas worked with Mike Tyson as an amateur before Tyson eventually became the youngest heavyweight champion of all time at the age of 20 in 1986.

The most promising up-and-coming heavyweight today is Moses Itauma (13-0, 11 KOs), a 21-year-old southpaw who returns Saturday to take on Jermaine Franklin (24-2, 15 KOs) at the Co-op Live Arena in Manchester, England.

“With Itauma, it can always be a knockout. Punchers are born, they’re not made,” Atlas told DAZN. “He’s that guy. He can take anyone out in one or two rounds. He’s that talented and that much of a package. Technically solid. He can fight inside or outside, he can use his legs. This guy is talented, and he will be heavyweight champion."

Itauma has just 26 rounds under his belt in three years as a pro, and Franklin is expected to give him a tough test. The losses Franklin has endured came in back-to-back fights against Dillian Whyte in 2022 and Anthony Joshua in 2023, both of which were decided by decision.

Itauma starched Whyte in one round in August, while Franklin outlasted Ivan Dychko in an ugly 10-round decision in September.

Atlas expects Itauma to have the longest fight of his fast-ascending career.

Itauma-Franklin is scheduled for 10 rounds. Outside of a pair of six-round decision wins, Itauma has iced everyone else he has faced inside two rounds.

“I've gone with the over [6.5 rounds]. With Itauma, it’s probably easier to go with the under [6.5 rounds] but I've looked at the tape. I think that Franklin can be the first guy to take him – I’m not gonna say deep waters – but at least extend him a little and make him go some rounds.

“I think that Franklin has enough experience at the higher level, and enough ability and technique to get to at least the late rounds,” Atlas went on.

Itauma is ranked No. 7 by The Ring and was also named The Ring’s 2024 Prospect of the Year.

DraftKings lists Itauma as a -3000 betting favorite and Franklin as a +1200 betting underdog.