Itauma receives surprise IBF world title shot against Hrgovic

Moses Itauma will fight for the vacant IBF world heavyweight title when he faces Filip Hrgovic in London on August 29.

Oleksandr Usyk announced his decision to vacate the WBC, WBA and IBF belts last month and the unbeaten British contender now has the opportunity to become the new IBF world champion in his clash with Croatian Hrgovic at The O2.

Frank Sanchez, who is the IBF No 1 contender after his knockout victory over Richard Torrez Jnr in May, has been guaranteed a shot at the Itauma vs Hrgovic winner.

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Itauma has blazed his path to a world title shot with 14 victories, featuring 12 knockouts, and he ruthlessly stopped Jermaine Franklin in Manchester in March.

But the 21-year-old is taking a sizeable step up in class against Hrgovic, who holds victories over Zhilei Zhang and Joe Joyce, with his only loss coming against Daniel Dubois by stoppage in 2024.

Cuban Sanchez will lie in wait for the new IBF champion, having secured a mandatory shot at the IBF belt after his explosive second-round stoppage of Torrez Jr.

The IBF belt is the last remaining vacant title as Agit Kabayel has been elevated as the new WBC champion, while Murat Gassiev has been upgraded to WBA champion.

Watch Aaron McKenna vs Etinosa Oliha for the IBF world middleweight title in Dublin on Saturday, live on Sky Sports. Get Sky Sports or stream boxing with no contract.