Moses Itauma will have the chance to become the second-youngest heavyweight world champion in boxing history when he collides with Filip Hrgovic on August 29, and should he be successful, his first defence is already set.
Itauma has excelled since making the switch to the professional scene, rising the rankings with 12 knockouts in 14 wins and now competing at world level, despite the fact that he has not yet boxed beyond the sixth round.
Later this month, the 21-year-old tops a bill in London for the first time as he accepts his most difficult test to date – a duel with highly-rated Croatian Filip Hrgovic, who has designs on capturing world honours himself.
Yesterday, in a surprise announcement, it was revealed that the vacant IBF heavyweight world title had been added to the contest, with IBF #1 Frank Sanchez accepting a step-aside fee to permit Itauma and Hrgovic to fight for the belt.
However, according to the Cuban’s co-manager, Mike Borao, Sanchez’s world title bid will still come before the end of 2026, with a clash against the winner of Itauma-Hrgovic being planned for December, as per Mike Coppinger.
“Frank Sanchez could have been next to fight for the IBF title but is making a financially lucrative amount and calculated decision to fight the winner of Itauma vs Hrgovic for the title this December instead.”
Should Itauma capture the IBF crown, he would replace Floyd Patterson as boxing’s second-youngest heavyweight ruler, behind only Mike Tyson, who achieved the feat as a 20-year-old.
Meanwhile, both Hrgovic and Sanchez will have the chance to become the first heavyweight world champion from their respective nations, but both are considered to be underdogs if tasked with Itauma.
