Moses Itauma closing in on opponent for ‘massive test’ in August

Moses Itauma is set to continue his pursuit of the heavyweight world title when he headlines the O2 Arena in August. Now, an opponent is close to being confirmed in a fight that promoter Frank Warren believes the youngster faces a ‘massive test’. 

Itauma has breezed through the opposition in all 14 of his professional bouts to date and is well placed for a world title challenge at just 21 years old, positioned as the WBO mandatory challenger and ranked number one with the WBA.

Following his latest win against Jermaine Franklin Jr in March, Itauma announced that he would have liked to face Croatia’s Filip Hrgovic next, seemingly disappointed that the Rio 2016 bronze medallist was scheduled to take on Dave Allen instead.

However, after stopping Allen with ease on Saturday inside just three rounds, Hrgovic shared his willingness for a quick turnaround and a clash with Itauma. Speaking to talkSPORT Boxing, Warren confirmed his interest in that proposed contest.

“I would like to see that fight [between Itauma and Hrgovic] happen. There is negotiations going on and I would love to see that fight happen, it is a massive test for Moses and a massive fight.

“That has got fight written all over it, hasn’t it? It’d be an exciting fight, if we can make it happen.”

The comments echo those of Warren’s son, George, who said after the Allen fight that his immediate goal is to get the bout signed.

Itauma will headline the O2 Arena in London on Saturday, August 8, in what will be his second main event slot, as he looks to continue to build his profile. If the Hrgovic fight makes it over the line, assuming the cut suffered by the Croatian against Allen is healed in time, it will indeed be the most significant step up in Itauma’s career so far.