British-Nigerian, Moses Itauma...Photo Credit: Dazn
Moses Itauma’s clash with Filip Hrgovic at the O2 Arena in London on August 29 will now be contested for the vacant IBF world heavyweight title, following Oleksandr Usyk’s decision to give up his remaining belts.
The IBF had initially ordered mandatory challenger Frank Sanchez, who earned his position with a second-round stoppage of Richard Torrez Jr in a final eliminator on May 3, to face Itauma for the vacant title.
However, with the Itauma-Hrgovic bout already scheduled, Queensberry Promotions negotiated a step-aside deal with the Cuban, worth millions, under which he agreed to let the fight proceed in exchange for a guaranteed shot at the winner.
The IBF ratified the agreement on Tuesday, with Sanchez retaining his number one ranking and required to fight the winner within six months.
