Moses Itauma ordered to fight for world title amid scheduled Filip Hrgovic clash in strange turn of events

Moses Itauma has been offered a world title shot before he has even stepped in the ring with Filip Hrgovic.

Britain’s Itauma is due to take on Hrgovic in his biggest step up to date on August 29, but amid his early preparations, the precocious talent has been ordered to face Frank Sanchez for the vacant IBF heavyweight title.

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The red and gold strap was recently relinquished by Oleksandr Usyk following the announcement that he will fight once more before calling time on his legendary career.

Sanchez is the IBF’s No.1-ranked heavyweight contender, a position he earned by flattening Richard Torrez Jr in a final eliminator bout at the foot of the Pyramids of Giza in May.

Itauma is the next highest-ranked heavyweight at No.3, with the No.2 spot currently unoccupied at the time of writing.

IBF statement

A statement from the IBF reads: “In accordance with IBF Championship Rules, #1 ranked contender in the IBF Heavyweight division, Frank Sanchez, has been ordered to negotiate with #3 ranked contender Moses Itauma.

“They have until July 29 to reach an agreement.”

What happens if Filip Hrgovic beats Moses Itauma?

While there is no mention in the statement of what will happen in the event that Hrgovic beats Itauma, he would more than likely land the shot if he were to pull off the upset.

Hrgovic is, after all, ranked No.4 by the IBF.

talkSPORT.com has contacted the IBF for further clarity.

Beyond Itauma and Hrgovic, the next highest ranked heavyweight by the IBF is Anthony Joshua at No.5, followed by double Olympic gold medallist Bakhodir Jalolov at No.6.

The rest of the top 15 is made up of Tyson Fury, Fabio Wardley, Deontay Wilder, Richard Riakporhe, Torrez Jr, Guido Vianello, Justis Huni, Efe Ajagba and Brandon Moore.

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Itauma had initially been ordered to face Sanchez in an IBF final eliminator last September, but passed on the opportunity to box Jermaine Franklin instead.

Explaining the decision at the time, Itauma’s manager, Francis Warren, said: “We made that decision because Moses is ranked No.1 with both the WBO and WBA, and we don’t want to lose that position.

“If we took that fight, we’d lose it. We’re trying to keep our options open.

“I have a plan for him, but I’m not going to go into details right now.”

Itauma is also ranked No.3 by the WBC.

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