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 comes on the heels of former champion Oleksandr Usyk’s decision last month to relinquish his WBC, WBA and IBF belts, opening a pathway for the unbeaten British prospect to claim the IBF crown. Itauma, a 21‑year‑old fighter who has amassed a perfect record of 14 wins – 12 of them by knockout – earned his title shot by dispatching Jermaine Franklin in Manchester earlier this year.
His aggressive style and high knockout ratio have made him a fan favourite, but the upcoming clash represents a substantial step up in competition. Hrgovic, the 28‑year‑old Croatian heavyweight, comes into the fight with a résumé that includes victories over former world‑title challenger Zhilei Zhang and former British champion Joe Joyce. His only blemish is a stoppage loss to Daniel Dubois in 2024.
The IBF has already lined up a mandatory challenger for the winner of the Itauma‑Hrgovic showdown. Frank Sanchez, who secured the No. 1 contender spot after a spectacular second‑round knockout of Richard Torrez Jr. in May, is guaranteed a title shot regardless of which fighter emerges victorious.
Sanchez’s manager, Mike Borao, explained the arrangement: “Frank Sanchez has agreed to let Itauma and Hrgovic fight for the vacant IBF belt on August 29, provided he receives a mandatory fight against the new champion without any intervening bouts.” Borao added that the timing works perfectly for his client, who prefers to wait until the end of the year to make a full preparation for a world‑title bout. “The timeline is ideal – the Itauma‑Hrgovic fight is less than 30 days away, and Frank will have ample time to train and fine‑tune his strategy. The financial terms are attractive, his mandatory status is preserved, and he only defers his opportunity by a few months,” he said. Negotiations for the mandatory fight were reportedly smooth, thanks to the cooperation of promoters Queensberry and Warriors Boxing.
“George Warren has been a longtime partner who understands the heavyweight landscape. He is a gentleman and a pleasure to work with. The final agreement benefits the fighters, the promoters, the IBF and, most importantly, the fans,” Borao noted. Sanchez himself expressed confidence in his ability to defeat either opponent.
“I don’t care who I face – Itauma or Hrgovic – I believe I can win and become heavyweight champion this year, ideally by December,” he stated. The IBF title is the last major heavyweight championship still vacant after Agit Kabayel was elevated to WBC champion and Murat Gassiev to WBA champion.
This adds extra significance to the London event, as the winner will become the sole holder of a world heavyweight crown. Beyond the main event, the boxing calendar for 2026 is packed with high‑profile fights. Fans can catch the Aaron McKenna versus Etinosa Oliha bout for the IBF world middleweight title in Dublin on Saturday, broadcast live on Sky Sports.
Those looking for a contract‑free streaming option can also watch the fight via the NOW platform. For those interested in deeper analysis, the weekly Toe2Toe podcast offers insights into upcoming match‑ups, fighter interviews and behind‑the‑scenes stories from the world of boxing.
Meanwhile, highlight reels and exclusive video content are available through various online channels, with a recommendation to use the Chrome browser for the best video player experience. In summary, Moses Itauma’s surprise shot at the IBF heavyweight title against Filip Hrgovic promises to be a thrilling encounter that could reshape the division’s hierarchy. With a mandatory challenger already locked in, the stakes are high for both combatants, and the outcome will set the stage for the next chapter in heavyweight boxing.
The fight not only offers a chance for a young British star to claim his first world belt but also provides a platform for Hrgovic to cement his status among the sport’s elite. Boxing enthusiasts worldwide will be watching closely as the two heavyweights prepare for what could become a defining moment in their careers.