Moses Itauma will fight Filip Hrgovic at the O2 Arena in London on August 29. This fight is now for the vacant IBF world heavyweight title. Oleksandr Usyk has given up his remaining belts, making this matchup possible.
Initially, the IBF wanted mandatory challenger Frank Sanchez to face Itauma for the title. Sanchez got this position after he stopped Richard Torrez Jr in the second round on May 3. But since the Itauma-Hrgovic fight was already planned, Queensberry Promotions struck a deal with Sanchez. They offered him millions to step aside, allowing the fight to go ahead. In return, Sanchez will get a guaranteed shot at the winner.
The IBF approved this agreement on Tuesday. Sanchez keeps his number one ranking and must fight the winner within six months. Promoter Frank Warren said this deal is good for everyone involved. He stated, "This deal is in the best interest of Frank Sanchez," adding that Sanchez's manager, Mike Borao, agreed.
Borao noted, "It doesn’t affect his timeline to fight for the world title; it only positively affects his earnings for the bout against the winner of Itauma-Hrgovic."
Itauma remains unbeaten with 14 wins, including 12 knockouts. He will be 21 years and 244 days old when he faces Hrgovic. If he wins, he will be the second-youngest heavyweight world champion in history, just behind Mike Tyson, who was 20 when he beat Trevor Berbick in 1986.
Hrgovic has a record of 20 wins and 1 loss, with 15 knockouts. He is in the best shape of his career. He has victories over Joe Joyce, David Adeleye, and Dave Allen since his only loss to Daniel Dubois in June 2024. The 34-year-old Croatian could become the first heavyweight champion from his country if he wins.
Warren, who signed Itauma when he was just 16 years old, believes in his fighter. "We signed him when he was 16, he was an amateur. We sponsored him and he turned professional with us, and he has been amazing and taken the world by storm," Warren said.
He added, "This is a big moment for him, but I am confident he can do it."
The fight will be available on DAZN Pay-Per-View. The winner is expected to defend against Sanchez between late November and the end of the year.
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