Moses Itauma is set to compete for the vacant IBF world heavyweight title in a London match against Filip Hrgovic on August 29. Following Oleksandr Usyk's decision to relinquish the WBC, WBA, and IBF belts, Itauma now has the opportunity to claim the IBF world championship in his upcoming bout against Hrgovic at The O2. Frank Sanchez, the current IBF No 1 contender, has secured a guaranteed title shot against the winner of Itauma vs Hrgovic. Itauma has achieved 14 victories, including 12 knockouts, and recently defeated Jermaine Franklin in Manchester.
However, he will face a significant challenge in Hrgovic, who has notable wins over Zhilei Zhang and Joe Joyce. Sanchez will await the new IBF champion, having earned a mandatory title shot after his knockout victory over Richard Torrez Jnr. Sanchez's manager, Mike Borao, stated that the agreement for Sanchez to fight the winner is financially lucrative and maintains his mandatory status. The deal was negotiated with Queensberry and Warriors Boxing, and Borao expressed his satisfaction with the outcome.
Sanchez is eager to fight either Itauma or Hrgovic and is confident in his ability to become the heavyweight champion by the end of the year.