DistantNews
Support us
Itauma vs. Hrgovic upgraded to IBF world-title bout
🇬🇧 United Kingdom /Sports

Itauma vs. Hrgovic upgraded to IBF world-title bout

From BBC News · () English

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources New plan
  • British heavyweight boxer Moses Itauma's upcoming fight against Filip Hrgovic on August 29 will now be for the vacant IBF heavyweight title.
  • The IBF belt was vacated by Oleksandr Usyk in June, and the fight will take place at London's O2 Arena.
  • Cuban fighter Frank Sanchez, initially slated to negotiate for the title, has agreed to step aside and will face the winner of the Itauma-Hrgovic bout.

The highly anticipated August 29 bout between British heavyweight talents Moses Itauma and Filip Hrgovic has been elevated to a world title fight. The vacant International Boxing Federation (IBF) heavyweight championship will be on the line when the two fighters meet at London's O2 Arena.

A lot of people have high expectations of him as I have, by the way. We signed him when he was 16. He was an amateur. We sponsored him and he turned professional with us. And he's been amazing and sort of taken the world by storm. This is a big moment for him. But I'm confident he can do it.

— Frank WarrenPromoter Frank Warren expressed his high expectations for Moses Itauma ahead of the title fight.

Oleksandr Usyk vacated the IBF belt in June, opening the door for this significant opportunity. Itauma, just 21, is a rising star in the division, boasting 12 knockouts among his 14 professional victories. Promoter Frank Warren of Queensberry Promotions expressed high confidence in Itauma, noting the company signed him as an amateur at 16 and has supported his rapid ascent.

"A lot of people have high expectations of him as I have, by the way," Warren told BBC Sport. "We signed him when he was 16. He was an amateur. We sponsored him and he turned professional with us. And he's been amazing and sort of taken the world by storm. This is a big moment for him. But I'm confident he can do it."

We paid [Sanchez] some money. We said whoever wins the fight, you're not losing out and you'll get the opportunity to fight for the title against the winner.

— Frank WarrenWarren explained the agreement for Frank Sanchez to step aside.

Initially, Itauma was ordered to negotiate with Cuban contender Frank Sanchez for the vacant title. However, Sanchez has agreed to step aside, reportedly for a fee, and will instead face the winner of the Itauma-Hrgovic contest. This arrangement ensures Sanchez remains in line for a title shot. Itauma has previously impressed with a fifth-round stoppage of Jermaine Franklin and a first-round knockout of Dillian Whyte. Hrgovic, a 2016 Olympic bronze medalist, brings a record of 20 professional wins, including a third-round stoppage of Dave Allen.

We know Hrgovic is going to come and give 100%, and 100% of him is hard work for anyone.

— Frank WarrenWarren acknowledged the challenge posed by Filip Hrgovic.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by BBC News in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

More Stories

From Our Blog