PROMOTER Frank Warren told Boxing News he hopes to have news “early next” week regarding Moses Itauma’s next fight. According to The Ring, the heavyweight sensation will face fellow Brit Dillian Whyte on August 16 in Riyadh. The report also suggests the undercard will feature Warren’s WBA featherweight champion Nick Ball against Australia’s Sam Goodman, while at super-featherweight, Anthony Cacace will face Raymond Ford.
Itauma has yet to put a foot wrong in his 12 fights, building an impressive highlight reel of finishes. The 20-year-old’s last outing saw him dispatch American Mike Balogun in two rounds, showcasing not only his power but also impressive speed and footwork for a man weighing 254 lbs.
Despite a lack of serious tests on his résumé, Itauma’s win over Balogun elevated him to the number one contender slot with the WBO. Writing on X after the victory, WBO President Gustavo Olivieri stated, “Moses Itauma has climbed the WBO rankings with talent, discipline, and electrifying performances. Now the #1 world-rated heavyweight contender, his moment is approaching. It’s only a matter of time before he gets his shot and the world sees a new star emerge.”
There is no doubt about Itauma’s potential, but questions remain unanswered due to the significant gulf in class between him and his dozen opponents. Whyte, a former WBC world title challenger, may or may not be the man to pose such questions. Now 37, Whyte has built a career facing big names and holds victories over Derek Chisora and Joseph Parker.
Following Fabio Wardley’s stunning comeback win against Justis Huni last night, Boxing News asked Warren about The Ring’s article on the August 16 card.
“I can’t comment on that. We’ll hopefully give you some news early next week,” Warren said.
Warren’s rival, Eddie Hearn, confirmed to Boxing News that his super-featherweight Raymond Ford is set to face Cacace on August 16.
“Tremendous fight,” Hearn said. “We’re finalising all that. We’re in agreement with the guys and that’s a brilliant fight. I really like Ray in that fight. Cacace’s on a great run. Looks like a big night on August 16.”
Cacace continued his impressive run with a stoppage victory over former featherweight champion Leigh Wood. The Belfast fighter now holds consecutive wins over British boxers Joe Cordina, Josh Warrington, and Wood. Cacace chose to face Wood and vacate his IBF title rather than fight mandatory challenger Eduardo Nunez. The belt is now held by Nunez, who defeated Masanori Rikiishi last month.
Ford has bounced back from his June 2024 loss to Ball, which ended his three-month stint as WBA featherweight champion. Now competing at super-featherweight, Ford faces a tough challenge in defeating Cacace if he is to become a two-weight champion.
Ball, 22-0-1 (13 KOs), had been linked to a fight against Luis Nery, but Warren told Boxing News this week that it would not happen. The Liverpudlian is enjoying a career-best run with victories over Ford, Ronny Rios, and TJ Doheny, all paving the way for a potential showdown with Naoya Inoue. Goodman, 20-0 (8 KOs), was scheduled to face the Japanese superstar for the undisputed super-bantamweight title in December 2024 and again in January 2025, but an eye injury delayed the bout. The Australian returned to the ring in May in Sydney, securing a shutout win against Cesar Vaca Espinoza.
