Moses Itauma’s next opponent could be decided by two upcoming fights

Though Anthony Joshua, who returns against unknown Kristian Prenga on July 25 in Saudi Arabia, is making headlines in the heavyweight division, the next fight of Moses Itauma – set for the same date – looks certain to be a more intriguing affair.

With the O2 in London booked, BoxingScene has learned that his team are in no rush to lock down an opponent for the fast-rising 21-year-old. Two upcoming fights, and their consequences, will be closely monitored before a decision is made.

On May 9, Fabio Wardley defends his WBO title against Daniel Dubois, two more Queensberry heavyweights, and with the 14-0 (12 KOs) Itauma sitting No. 1 with the sanctioning body he could be mandated for the winner. Wardley, it should be noted, is not only a promotional stablemate of Itauma, but they also have the same trainer in Ben Davison.

More interesting to Team Itauma is likely the status of the WBC belt. Two weeks later, on May 23, Oleksandr Usyk defends the title against the wildly undeserving Rico Verhoeven. Itauma is currently No. 2 in those rankings but it’s expected that a request will be made to move to the top spot following the recent drug-test failure of Lawrence Okolie, the existing No. 1.

Another Queensberry heavyweight, Agit Kabayel, wears the WBC interim belt. BoxingScene understands that the sanctioning body will order Usyk – presuming he beats Verhoeven – to next defend against Kabayel. Should the Ukrainian, who also owns IBF and WBA belts, decide against facing Kabayel then the German could be upgraded and Itauma installed as his first challenger.

This could all be about timing, too. Should Team Itauma make their choice too early then they run the risk of losing their position in certain rankings. For example, if Itauma opens negotiations to challenge for the WBO title then he would likely be removed from rival organisations’ rankings.

Itauma, who in March stopped Jermaine Franklin in five rounds, is also No. 1 with the WBA but the chaotic belt situation – Usyk has got one, so too Murat Gassiev – does not represent an appealing route. 

A decision was also made not to chase the IBF title. The youngster, currently fifth in those rankings, was ordered to engage in an eliminator with Frank Sanchez but, with the IBF currently not in line to enforce a mandatory on multiple-belt-holder Usyk, there were concerns that Itauma would be waiting a long time for his shot.

Another potential opponent, whom Itauma himself has stated he wants, is Filip Hrgovic. The Croatian is expected to defeat Dave Allen on May 16 but it seems unlikely he’ll immediately return to camp to prepare for Itauma. Furthermore, it’s understood that Itauma’s handlers are focused on providing a title shot as soon as possible and Hrgovic, though highly ranked, does not currently own a belt.