Moses Itauma will fight Filip Hrgovic for the vacant IBF world heavyweight title at The O2 in London on August 29. The 21-year-old unbeaten British contender gets the opportunity after Oleksandr Usyk announced his decision to vacate the WBC, WBA and IBF belts last month.
Itauma has blazed his path to a world title shot with 14 victories, featuring 12 knockouts. He ruthlessly stopped Jermaine Franklin in the fifth round of their bout at Manchester's Co-op Live Arena in March.
The young contender is taking a sizeable step up in class against Croatian Hrgovic, who holds victories over Zhilei Zhang and Joe Joyce. Hrgovic's only loss came against Daniel Dubois by stoppage in 2024.
Frank Sanchez guaranteed mandatory title shot
Frank Sanchez, who is the IBF No 1 contender after his explosive second-round stoppage victory over Richard Torrez Jnr in May, has been guaranteed a fight against the Itauma vs Hrgovic winner with no intervening bouts.
Sanchez's manager Mike Borao said: "Frank Sanchez has allowed Itauma and Hrgovic to fight for the vacant IBF title on August 29 under the condition, as mandatory #1 contender, he fights the winner with no intervening bouts."
Borao explained why the arrangement suits the Cuban fighter. "Frank didn't want to fight until the end of the year in order to prepare properly, so the timeline works perfectly for him, especially considering the Itauma vs Hrgovic fight is less than 30 days away," Borao said.
"The deal we negotiated for Frank to fight the winner is lucrative financially, he maintains his mandatory status, and is only deferring his opportunity a few months," Borao added.
Promoter agreement and heavyweight title picture
The agreement was reached following negotiations involving promotional companies Queensberry and Warriors Boxing. "The agreement was relatively easy to make with Queensberry and Warriors Boxing, although at times it looked like a deal would fail to materialize," Borao said.
Borao praised promoter George Warren for his role in securing the deal. "I've known George Warren a long time. He understands the heavyweight division, is a gentleman and pleasure to work with. The final deal is good for the participating boxers, promoters, the IBF, and the fans. I am glad it got over the finish line," he said.
Sanchez is looking forward to facing either opponent in the ring later this year. "Frank is anxious to fight Ituama or Hrgovic, he doesn't care who it is, and wishes the best of luck to both. He feels he will beat either and become heavyweight champion this year, the target date being December," Borao stated.
The IBF belt is the last remaining vacant heavyweight title following Usyk's decision. Agit Kabayel has been elevated as the new WBC champion, while Murat Gassiev has been upgraded to WBA champion.
