Moses Itauma set for ‘big fight’ next as immediate return date given after phenomenal KO

Moses Itauma is set for a huge fight in July with a quick turnaround after his emphatic win over Jermaine Franklin.

21-year-old prodigy Itauma was looking for a big statement in his latest headline act in Manchester against Franklin, who had never been stopped as a professional.

And Itauma did exactly what others including Anthony Joshua couldn’t, breaking down the American before halting proceedings in the fifth in another devastating stoppage.

The Chatham native has undeniable potential and is on the cusp of challenging for world honours.

Now the boxing world is purring with excitement and keen to know who he will fight next, with many calling for him to get an immediate shot at the blue-riband gold.

And there will be no time wasted for the elite talent, who will be back this summer in yet another promising spectacle.

His promoter Frank Warren said in the ring: “It will probably in July [his next fight].

“He’s number one in WBO, WBA [rankings]. There’s a lot of fights over the next few months, we will sort something out.

“Don’t worry, it’ll be a big fight because he’s a big fighter. So exciting, he fought a very tough guy. He did what nobody else was able to do, stop him.

“Usyk is fighting in Egypt in June, after that fight he will be ordered to defend his WBC title.

“I’m pretty confident he will fight for a world title this year.”

Itauma is on the cusp of big things and it is clear he is wanting to stay as active as possible.

Who could Itauma’s next opponent be?

Queensberry

It seems evident that a current champion is not going to be the option in July.

Oleksandr Usyk, a current unified title holder, has played down the chances of the pair meeting before his retirement.

Meanwhile Itauma’s stablemate and WBO champion Fabio Wardley is not keen on seeing the pair meet right now.

Itauma is more likely to look at those on the fringes of challenging.

The victor of Richard Torrez Jr’s IBF world title eliminator with Frank Sanchez is being heavily considered by the Briton’s camp.

Meanwhile Itauma himself could position himself with the WBC by facing German talent Agit Kabayel.

Boxing schedule

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