Moses Itauma is set to contest the vacant IBF heavyweight championship when he steps into the ring with Croatia’s Filip Hrgovic at London’s O2 Arena on August 29. The bout arrives on the heels of former champion Oleksandr Usyk’s decision last month to relinquish his WBC, WBA and IBF belts, opening the door for the unbeaten British prospect to claim the IBF crown. The stakes are high, not only for the two fighters but also for the next mandatory challenger.
Frank Sanchez, who earned the IBF’s No.1 contender spot after a decisive knockout of Richard Torrez Jr. in May, has been guaranteed a title shot against whoever emerges victorious from the Itauma‑Hrgovic clash.
Sanchez’s camp has made it clear that the winner will face him in a mandatory defense without any intervening bouts. Itauma’s ascent to this world‑title opportunity has been nothing short of meteoric. In just 14 professional fights he has amassed 14 wins, 12 of them by knockout, showcasing a blend of power and precision that has turned heads across the heavyweight division. His most recent performance saw him dispatch Jermaine Franklin in Manchester with a ruthless stoppage in March, underscoring his readiness for elite competition.
However, the 21‑year‑old is about to take a significant leap in class. Hrgovic, a seasoned contender, has already proven his mettle against top‑ranked opponents such as Zhilei Zhang and former world title challenger Joe Joyce. Hrgovic’s only blemish on his record is a stoppage loss to Daniel Dubois in 2024, a setback that has only fueled his determination to reclaim a spot at the summit of the heavyweight ranks.
The fight’s promotional backdrop adds further intrigue. Frank Sanchez’s manager, Mike Borao, explained that the mandatory challenger agreement was crafted to ensure Sanchez could face the new champion as soon as possible, while also providing adequate preparation time. "Frank didn’t want to wait until the end of the year 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. He also highlighted the financial attractiveness of the deal and the collaborative effort among promoters Queensberry and Warriors Boxing to bring the arrangement to fruition.
Borao praised long‑time associate George Warren for his deep understanding of the heavyweight landscape, describing him as a gentleman and a pleasure to work with. According to Borao, the final contract benefits all parties involved – the fighters, the promoters, the IBF and, most importantly, the fans.
"I am glad it got over the finish line," he added. Looking ahead, Sanchez remains eager to test himself against either Itauma or Hrgovic.
"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 noted, emphasizing Sanchez’s confidence and his ambition to claim the title before the year ends.
The IBF heavyweight belt is currently the only vacant world title in the division. Recent reshuffling has seen Agit Kabayel elevated to WBC champion status and Murat Gassiev promoted to WBA champion, leaving the IBF crown up for grabs. The outcome of the Itauma‑Hrgovic showdown will therefore determine the next standard‑bearer for the IBF. Beyond the heavyweight narrative, boxing fans can also look forward to other marquee events.
In Dublin, Aaron McKenna will face Etinosa Oliha for the IBF world middleweight title, a fight scheduled for Saturday and broadcast live on Sky Sports. For those without a traditional TV contract, streaming options are available, offering flexible ways to catch the action. In summary, the upcoming clash between Moses Itauma and Filip Hrgovic represents a pivotal moment in heavyweight boxing.
It not only decides who will claim the vacant IBF title but also sets the stage for a mandatory defense against a hungry Frank Sanchez. With both combatants bringing distinct strengths—Itauma’s explosive power and rapid rise, Hrgovic’s experience against elite opposition—the bout promises high drama, technical fireworks, and the potential to reshape the heavyweight hierarchy as the sport moves toward the close of 2026.