Moses Itauma vs Filip Hrgovic winner’s next fight already set in stone as details emerge

The winner of Moses Itauma and Filip Hrgovic’s newly upgraded world title fight will face Frank Sanchez next.

Itauma and Hrgovic will meet in a huge heavyweight clash on August 29 at London’s O2 Arena in the biggest test yet for the rising British star.

Getty

The stakes have now been raised higher than ever with the vacant IBF world title now on the line after a ruling.

Itauma had previously been ordered to face fellow leading contender in the IBF rankings Frank Sanchez for the title.

But he had already signed on the dotted line to face the Croatian.

However in order to get the belt on the line for Itauma’s upcoming bout instead, organisers thrashed out a step-aside deal to the Cuban.

And now Sanchez ‘s manager Mike Barao has discussed exactly how it will work, with the victor of Itauma vs Hrgovic to be contractually obliged to face him in December.

He told Ring Magazine: “Frank Sanchez could have been next to fight for the IBF title.

But he is making a financially lucrative amount and calculated decision to fight the winner of Itauma vs Hrgovic for the title this December instead.”

It is a perfect timeline for the victor and a unique opportunity, with Itauma in particular likely having wanted to have faced Sanchez anyway.

Another fight in December would represent another brilliant year of activity for Itauma, which would be his third and final fight in 2026.

Itauma’s chance at heavyweight history

And of course for the hugely gifted 21-year-old talent, he is on the cusp of entering the record breaks.

Getty

Victory for Itauma will see him become the youngest heavyweight world champion since Mike Tyson, who became divisional king at the age of 20 in 1986.

But he will must take on his toughest opposition yet in durable Croat Hrgovic, who has been around the block.

And former world champion Duke McKenzie believes the frightening prospect may be taken into deeper waters than ever before.

He said exclusively to talkSPORT Boxing: “We’re going to find out just how good Moses Itauma is.

” I don’t think Moses will go out there and wipe this guy out just like that. Two, three, four rounds. Can’t see it happening because this is for the vacant heavyweight championship of the world.

“As you know, Hrgovic takes a shot. If he can get over them early rounds and get Itauma into fours and fives and sixes and later on into that fight, we’re going to find out a lot about Moses in this fight.

Watch Boxing on DAZN

*If you click a link in this boxout, we will earn affiliate revenue

Sign up to DAZN to access the definitive subscription for boxing fans.

Upgrade to DAZN Ultimate from just £24.99/month, guaranteeing access to 185+ fights annually, a minimum of 12 pay-per-views at no extra cost, as well as every Lega Serie A match and other elite football access.

Alternatively, DAZN Standard is just £15.99/month, with the caveat you will have to pay for pay-per-view events.

Click here to sign up.

“He may have to dig deep. He may have to show some character, and that’s what we haven’t seen so far. He also might have to show that engine.”