British heavyweight contender Moses Itauma suffered a surprise ninth-round stoppage defeat against Filip Hrgovic in their IBF world title fight at The O2 in London on Saturday night.
The 21-year-old prospect is unlikely to receive an immediate rematch after mandatory challenger Frank Sanchez insisted on taking the next shot at the belt.
Itauma started strongly, knocking Hrgovic down in the second round with a powerful combination. However, the young challenger tired dramatically as the contest wore on, allowing his Croatian opponent to take control before the referee stopped the fight in round nine.
Following the bout, Itauma was taken to hospital for precautionary checks. He has since been discharged and is now recovering back at home.
Mandatory Challenger Rule Prevents Rematch
Any plans for an immediate return match have been halted by sanctioning body rules. Cuban contender Frank Sanchez is the mandatory challenger for the IBF title after previously agreeing to a deal that allowed the fight between Itauma and Hrgovic to take place first.
Under governing body regulations, Hrgovic is obliged to face Sanchez before he can schedule any other bout. That requirement prevents the new champion from pursuing potential unification fights against rival heavyweight titleholders such as Agit Kabayel, Daniel Dubois, or Murat Gassiev.
Sanchez's manager Mike Borao told Sky Sports that his team will enforce their position, confirming no other fight will take precedence.
Borao said: "Per the IBF, no intervening bout, including unification bouts, are permitted prior to the satisfaction of Frank Sanchez's mandatory."
Borao revealed that discussions will begin shortly with promotional partners to organize the title fight. Queensberry Promotions will co-promote the event alongside George Warren.
Borao said: "That said, Queensberry is going to be our partner on Frank's next bout, presumably versus Hrgovic, and we will discuss that in the coming days with Frank and George Warren."
Praise and Future Outlook
Despite the defeat, Borao praised Itauma for his early performance, comparing his path to that of Daniel Dubois, who recovered from his first career stoppage loss to win a world title.
Borao said: "For eight rounds Moses was brilliant. He will be back better, much like Daniel Dubois after his first loss."
Borao confirmed he spoke directly with Sanchez and trainer Eddy Reynoso immediately after the fight to plan their next step.
Borao said: "I spoke to Frank Sanchez and Eddy Reynoso immediately following the bout. Both are ready and excited for Hrgovic next."
Borao also offered congratulations to Hrgovic and his manager Keith Connolly while issuing a clear warning about the title defense ahead.
Borao added: "In the meantime, congratulations to my friends Keith Connolly and Filip Hrgovic. Keep the title warm, because Frank Sanchez is coming."
The International Boxing Federation is one of four major sanctioning bodies in world professional boxing, alongside the WBA, WBC, and WBO. Hrgovic earned his victory at The O2, a major venue in Greenwich, South East London. Manager Mike Borao, who also guides the careers of Aaron McKenna and Stephen McKenna, works with Reynoso, the high-profile Mexican coach famous for training multi-division champion Saul Canelo Alvarez. Queensberry Promotions is led by Frank Warren and George Warren.
With Sanchez secured as the next challenger, Itauma must rebuild before seeking another world title opportunity. Video highlights of the bout were provided courtesy of DAZN.
