Moses Itauma could be heading toward a vacant world title fight with Frank Sanchez if he beats Filip Hrgovic later this summer.
Itauma has quickly become one of the most talked-about young heavyweights in boxing, winning all 14 of his professional fights, with 12 coming by knockout. The 21-year-old has already stopped names such as Dillian Whyte, Jermaine Franklin and Demsey McKean. His next test comes on August 29 at the O2 Arena in London, where he faces Hrgovic in what is expected to be the toughest fight of his career so far.
With Oleksandr Usyk vacating the WBC, WBA and IBF heavyweight titles, several belts are now open. Sanchez, who is ranked No. 1 by the IBF, is one of the fighters waiting for a shot at the vacant title.
Sanchez’s manager, Mike Borao, told Sky Sports that Itauma could be the opponent in the near future.
“My expectation is that Moses Itauma could possibly be Frank Sanchez’s opponent in the near future,” Borao said. “But we will have to wait and see who he ultimately fights next for the vacant title.”
Borao praised Itauma’s talent but suggested that Sanchez may be too much too soon for the young Brit.
“Moses is an incredible talent with massive upside,” Borao said. “I myself am a fan of Moses, but a fight with Frank is probably a bit too soon.”
Sanchez recently strengthened his position by knocking out Richard Torrez Jr in the second round, handing the unbeaten American prospect his first defeat. Itauma is also highly ranked by the WBO, WBA and WBC, meaning he has several possible routes toward a first world title shot.
Image Credit: Sky Sports