Moses Itauma is expected to face a top-10 heavyweight on August 8 in Manchester, with Frank Warren preparing to confirm the next step for one of boxing’s fastest-rising heavyweight prospects.
Itauma has been moved quickly, and his last performance only added to the hype as the 21-year-old southpaw stopped Jermaine Franklin in five rounds in March.
A July 25 date at London’s O2 Arena had been pencilled in for Itauma’s return, but after Anthony Joshua confirmed his own fight in Saudi Arabia for that same date, the plan shifted. Itauma is now expected to fight on August 8 in Manchester.
Filip Hrgovic, who stopped Dave Allen in three rounds on May 16, is understood to be the preferred opponent. Warren did not name the fighter directly, but made clear the level of opposition. “Moses is fighting up in Manchester, we’re going to announce it,” Warren told Sky Sports. “He’s fighting a top 10 heavyweight, we expect to get the fight we want to make over the line.”
For Itauma, this would be another major step up after the Franklin win. For Warren, it is part of a bigger heavyweight week, with Tyson Fury’s next opponent also expected to be confirmed soon. As Warren put it: “Again, a great heavyweight fight. This division is on fire.”
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