MOSES Itauma will not face Frank Sanchez after the British heavyweight prospect turned down an IBF eliminator. Had Itauma accepted and defeated the Cuban, Itauma’s pathway to a world title shot would’ve been clear.
Ukrainian southpaw master Oleksandr Usyk holds the IBF world title, along with the WBO, WBC and WBA straps. Itauma’s chosen loss is Richard Torrez’s gain. The American contender will be offered the opportunity to face Sanchez. Itauma had been offered the IBF shot after heavy-handed Efe Ajagba picked a different route.
Ajagba’s career, similar to Jared Anderson and Torrez, is in a liminal zone due to the uncertainty surrounding Top Rank’s future. Smooth mover Sanchez initially made his name by dropping and outboxing Ajagba on a PBC show. Heavyweight dangerman Agit Kabayel later dominated Frank before working his way back up towards world level.
Sanchez would’ve presented Itauma with a legitimate test of his glowing credentials had they met. As for the 20-year-old Frank Warren fighter’s next moves, a December date is on the cards with names like David Adeleye and Michael Hunter under consideration.
British heavyweight legend Derek Chisora is also scheduled to appear on December 13, alongside Itauma, with a Dillian Whyte trilogy being mentioned as a possibility. Deontay Wilder was also being whispered as a foe, although he is now expected to have another Stateside tune-up first.
