The IBF has instructed British boxer Moses Itauma to begin negotiations for a bout against Cuban fighter Frank Sanchez for the vacant heavyweight championship. This directive follows Oleksandr Usyk’s recent decision to vacate his IBF, WBA, and WBC titles. Under IBF regulations, the organization has ordered a matchup between top-ranked Sanchez and the third-ranked Itauma, setting a deadline of July 29 for both camps to finalize terms.
Itauma remains undefeated in 14 professional contests, with 12 of those victories coming by way of knockout. The 21-year-old is currently preparing for an August 29 showdown against Filip Hrgovic at the O2 Arena in London, an event he has labeled his most difficult test to date. He faces a decision regarding whether to withdraw from the Hrgovic fight or attempt to schedule the clash with Sanchez for a later date. Representatives for Queensberry, the promotion company representing Itauma, have not yet provided a formal statement.
While the IBF pursues this path, the boxing landscape continues to shift. The WBC has promoted interim titleholder Agit Kabayel to full champion status in the wake of Usyk’s departure. Usyk is now unencumbered by prior mandatory obligations, allowing him to pursue new opponents at his discretion.