Moses Itauma next fight date revealed with Brit set to headline O2 Arena

Moses Itauma is reportedly set to return to the ring this summer.

Fresh on the heels of his statement-making win over Jermaine Franklin, the Chatham southpaw is being lined up for a headliner at the O2 Arena on July 25.

According to esteemed combat sports journalist Ariel Helwani, Itauma’s opponent is yet to be determined, although it is expected to be a step up in opposition.

It will mark Itauma’s first time headlining in London.

He previously topped ‘The Magnificent 7 bill’ at Manchester’s Co-Op Live Arena, where he was able to achieve what Anthony Joshua and Dillian Whyte couldn’t in halting the durable Franklin inside the distance.

That victory came off the back of a one-round demolition job over Whyte in his first main event at the ANB Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Itauma’s handlers are now looking at fights that will position their man for a world title shot at the back end of the year.

The precocious talent has made no secret about his desire to face top 10-ranked heavyweight Filip Hrgovic in his next outing.

However, July may be too tight a turnaround for ‘El Animal’, who locks horns with Dave Allen on May 16.

Itauma told talkSPORT earlier this month: “We have got seven weeks of heavyweight action, which means a lot of the heavyweights are taken up right now.

“In a perfect world, I would have wanted to fight Hrgovic.

“If not him, obviously Usyk would be the one because he has got all the belts.

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“But Derek Chisora said that Michael Hunter would be a good fight.

“I honestly don’t mind, though, whoever is available.

“I have a meeting coming up with Frank Warren where I will get a clearer idea.”

Who is the most likely next fight for Moses Itauma?

Itauma is currently ranked No.1 by the WBA and WBO, No.2 by the WBC and No.5 by the IBF.

The 21-year-old is also the mandatory challenger for the WBA ‘regular’ belt.

Murat Gassiev picked up the lesser title in December by knocking out Kubrat Pulev and has welcomed a fight with Itauma.

Boxing schedule

For all the upcoming fights and results this year, check out talkSPORT.com’s  boxing schedule.