Derek Chisora has suggested a dangerous comeback opponent for Moses Itauma, who he feels should return to action as soon as December.
The heavyweight prodigy suffered a ninth-round stoppage defeat to Filip Hgrovic last Saturday, having never previously lost a professional or amateur bout.
It therefore came as a sizable upset when Hrgovic, after losing practically every round, managed to outlast the 21-year-old and become a world champion.
By claiming the vacant IBF title, he is now likely to make a mandatory defence against Frank Sanchez, who stepped aside and allowed the 34-year-old to win his belt at London’s O2 Arena.
Itauma, meanwhile, is set for a rebuilding process after being reduced to utter exhaustion against Hrgovic, who showed an iron chin as he soaked up the explosive puncher’s best shots.
But despite losing his first world title challenge, Itauma remains a promising talent and, according to heavyweight veteran Chisora, would be wise to return to the ring later this year.
Speaking with Seconds Out, Chisora proposed British champion Richard Riakporhe as a suitable opponent who, without being at the level of Hrgovic, could certainly offer an appropriate test.
“Richard Riakporhe. I know boxing. Riakporhe in Manchester, comeback fight in December for the British title.”
Since losing his world cruiserweight title challenge against Chris Billam-Smith in 2024, ‘The Midnight Train’ has amassed three heavyweight stoppages. He comes off a particularly impressive fifth-round knockout of Jeamie TKV in April, which earned him the British heavyweight title and took his record to 16 knockouts from 20 victories.
Riakporhe also happened to be in attendance for Hrgovic’s title-winning triumph, to which he reacted by highlighting Itauma’s gas tank as a major problem.
The 36-year-old may therefore be confident in facing the ultra-fast Itauma, who was attempting to become the youngest world heavyweight champion since Mike Tyson.
