Moses Itauma could be one victory away from another world title shot. The highly regarded 21-year-old prospect took on Filip Hrgovic for the IBF belt in August, his first world championship fight. After starting strongly, he tired, unravelled and was halted by Hrgovic in nine rounds.
Promoter Frank Warren plans to bring Itauma back in a good level fight in January to set him up for another world title tilt. "It'll be a decent fight. He's got to be in with somebody who's going to give him a test," Warren told Sky Sports. "When you're coming off a loss any comeback fight is a risky fight. He'll be wanting to go out there with something to prove."
Warren, who also represents Hrgovic, WBC heavyweight titlist Agit Kabayel and WBO champion Daniel Dubois, said Itauma would be very active next year. "He could fight any of them. Because if he wins he'll be straight back into, I think, the top half of the rankings." Warren praised Itauma's effort despite the defeat, noting he kept throwing shots even when tired and caught.
Hrgovic, the new IBF champion, is due to face mandatory challenger Frank Sanchez next, with a possible homecoming fight in Croatia. Warren said, "that's his dream." Sanchez's manager, Mike Borao, said they are targeting the first quarter of 2027, adding that Sanchez is confident he will win and is eager to become world champion.
Source: Sky Sports Champions League · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing