Moses Itauma is quick turning into one of the vital thrilling fighters within the sport and the Kent-based phenomenon seems to be set to be mandated for a shot on the heavyweight throne.
Itauma has fought on 14 events since his 2023 debut and has rose into title competition with wins over Demsey McKean, Mike Balogun, Dillian Whyte and, most not too long ago, Jermaine Franklin Jr – who he halted after 5 rounds of motion final month.
In the post-fight interview following that win, promoter Frank Warren unveiled plans for Itauma to return to action in July and then challenge for the heavyweight crown at the end of the calendar year.
Currently, the WBA route appears to be the almost certainly choice, particularly if Oleksandr Usyk chooses to vacate or is stripped of the title and reigning WBA Regular champion Murat Gassiev is elevated to full world champion.
Alternatively, the IBF title is one other that Usyk could both relinquish or lose; consequently which means that the winner of Frank Sanchez versus Richard Torrez Jr. might both be upgraded or positioned for a vacant title shot.
Yet, regardless of followers’ demand for a conflict between Itauma and Usyk, it appears as if he might try to dethrone a distinct reigning champion, due to his rating because the primary contender with the WBO.
Speaking to ThaBoxingVoice, WBO President Gustavo Olivieri revealed that Itauma is probably going to be named as their obligatory challenger and ordered for a shot on the victor of Fabio Wardley vs. Daniel Dubois.
“In light of Moses’ recent victory, against a well-rated contender in Franklin, I will formally recommend that he be designated as the mandatory challenger of the heavyweight division in the WBO.
“If they [the committee] vote, which I presume and expect that that is going to be the vote, Moses will be designated as the mandatory. Now, the question is, when will the mandatory be enforced, in other words, called?
“That remains to be seen; it could be called immediately after the Wardley-Dubois fight or thereafter, that is a discussion that the committee has.”
Current champion Wardley and Itauma practice out of the identical fitness center, and Wardley has stated that the one scenario through which a fight between them would turn into a severe dialog is that if they held all of the belts and will fight for undisputed. Should he beat Dubois, followers can count on Itauma to pursue one of many different titles.
However, if Dubois turns into a two-time champion on May 9 by beating Wardley, there may be nothing standing in the best way of Itauma trying to implement his obligatory place.
