Fast-rising Nigerian-born heavyweight boxer, Moses Itauma is bound to get an early shot at a major world title, as he has been tipped to fight for one of three belts that were recently vacated by all-conquering Oleksandr Usyk of Ukraine.
Sports247 gathered that, although Itauma already has a bout lined up for him in August, he could jolly well be in for another fight later this year, with a date against top contender, Frank Sanchez now looming on the cards.
Both boxers have been cited on a roll call of possibilities for a shot at one of the vacant titles, after Usyk vacated the International Boxing Federation (IBF), World Boxing Association (WBA) and World Boxing Council (WBC) belts.
However, before any likely date with Sanchez in the roped square, Itauma will first fight Filip Hrgovic in August, which could also be another step closer to his world title dreams, as they are both highly-ranked IBF contenders.
The winner of that fight could be in line to face Sanchez for the vacant IBF belt, as he is now in prime position to challenge for a world title as the federation’s number one-ranked contender, amidst a reminder that he had been set to face the Nigerian-born pugilist last year.
Itauma had been ordered to face Sanchez in an IBF final eliminator last September, but the fight was turned down by the 21-year-old Nigerian-born fighter, much to the surprise of the opposing camp, whose top shot admires the fast-rising youngster.
Sanchez’s manager, Mike Borao told Sky Sports: “My expectation is that Moses Itauma could possibly be Frank Sanchez’s opponent in the near future, but we will have to wait and see who he ultimately fights next for the vacant title.
“Moses is an incredible talent with massive upside. I myself am a fan of Moses, but a fight with Frank is probably a bit too soon; since he is young and there are other paths to a title for him.”
