Moses Itauma has been ordered to face Frank Sanchez for the vacant IBF heavyweight title after Oleksandr Usyk gave up his belts.
The IBF has officially called for Itauma and Sanchez to negotiate a deal, with both teams given until July 29 to reach an agreement.
Itauma has long been viewed as one of the future stars of the heavyweight division. The 21-year-old has already beaten names such as Dillian Whyte and Jermaine Franklin, putting himself close to a world title shot earlier than expected.
Sanchez earned the IBF No. 1 ranking after knocking out Richard Torrez Jr in May. His team had already suggested that Itauma could be the opponent for the vacant title.
The situation is complicated because Itauma is currently scheduled to face Filip Hrgovic in August. That means a fight with Sanchez cannot happen next unless plans change, a step-aside deal is agreed, or the title fight is pushed to a later date.
The IBF is the latest governing body to move after Usyk vacated his titles. The WBC has already elevated Agit Kabayel from interim champion to full champion, while the WBA has not yet confirmed its plan for its heavyweight belt.
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