Unbeaten heavyweight prospect Moses Itauma will fight again on 25 July at London’s O2 Arena, with his opponent still to be confirmed following last month’s emphatic win over Jermaine Franklin.
NOP NIGERIA reports that Moses Itauma, 21, moved to 14 wins from 14 bouts, including 12 knockouts, with his March victory. Itauma became the first fighter to knockout Franklin, who had previously gone the distance with Anthony Joshua and Dillian Whyte. The performance prompted the WBO to name him mandatory challenger for its heavyweight title.
Focus now shifts to the division’s title picture. WBO champion Fabio Wardley is due to defend his belt against Daniel Dubois on 9 May, a bout that could shape Itauma’s next move.
“If Fabio wins then it’ll be sticky but if Dubois wins, then that fight makes sense,” Itauma said, according to Sky Sports.
Wardley and Dubois were ringside for Itauma’s win over Franklin, and the rising contender believes he made an impression.
“I don’t think they’re worried. I think they’re both like ‘Oh! This guy’s in my division,’” he said. “I think deep inside they probably both had the same reaction. I think Fabio managed to, I guess, hide it a bit better.”
Despite holding mandatory status, Itauma is unlikely to face the Wardley-Dubois winner immediately. The victor is expected to pursue a fight with unified champion Oleksandr Usyk. A strong showing in July against a higher-ranked opponent could still push Itauma closer to a world title shot.
Possible opponents for the O2 Arena card are expected to include established names capable of topping a major bill. British champion Richard Riakporhe has been mentioned as one potential option.
The cruiserweight holds a 20-1 record with 16 knockouts and has won his last three fights inside five rounds since his lone defeat at world level to Chris Billam-Smith.
