Moses Itauma is unlikely to be short of options, much less a domestic rival, if he emerges victorious against Filip Hrgovic on August 29.
The two heavyweights will square off at London’s O2 Arena, contesting the vacant IBF title which, among two other belts, was relinquished by Oleksandr Usyk in June.
Should he win their contest, Itauma will be crowned the youngest heavyweight world champion since Mike Tyson dethroned Trevor Berbick in 1986.
The winner must then enter an immediate title defence against mandatory challenger Frank Sanchez, who has been financially incentivised to wait in the wings before securing his shot.
Itauma could therefore end up facing two top-10 heavyweights in his next pair of outings, with Hrgovic certainly representing his toughest opponent thus far.
The Croatian is perhaps best known for his spirited effort against Daniel Dubois, who ultimately won their 2024 encounter by eighth-round stoppage after Hrgovic was withdrawn on cuts.
Now the reigning WBO champion, Dubois is widely considered to be on a collision course with Itauma, but must first retain his title in an expected rematch with Fabio Wardley later this year.
Speaking with talkSPORT, head coach Don Charles insisted his man will be ready for an Itauma clash down the line.
“It all starts with Moses winning his next fight against Hrgovic. And, provided we’re successful in coming through a rematch with Fabio, it’s inevitable that they will meet.
“They both happen to be signed to Frank Warren. We can only take care of our side, keep focused and remain unbeaten.”
Dubois claimed his title with an 11th-round stoppage of Wardley in May, becoming a two-time world champion after having previously held the IBF strap.
