Moses Itauma nears IBF final eliminator shot to secure mandatory clash with Oleksandr Usyk

Rising British heavyweight prospect Moses Itauma is edging closer to a career-defining opportunity, with the IBF expected to offer him a final eliminator bout that could set up a mandatory clash against undisputed champion Oleksandr Usyk.

Ajagba’s withdrawal opens the door

The International Boxing Federation had originally ordered Frank Sanchez to face Efe Ajagba in a rematch for the vacant No.1 ranking. However, Ajagba withdrew after being dissatisfied with the purse bid outcome. According to boxing journalist Dan Rafael, Premier Boxing Champions submitted a winning bid of $302,000, outbidding Top Rank’s $210,000.

Despite Ajagba being set to earn $181,200 from the split, the Nigerian Olympian opted out, leading to his removal from the IBF top 15. With Ajagba out of the picture, the IBF will now turn to its rankings, where Moses Itauma sits at No.5, making him the next potential challenger for Sanchez.

Moses Itauma’s crossroads: IBF eliminator or other titles?

While the opportunity is significant, Itauma has options. The 20-year-old southpaw is currently ranked No.1 with both the WBO and WBA, placing him in a strong position across multiple sanctioning bodies. His promoter, Frank Warren, recently hinted that Itauma is “a week away” from a confirmed fight on December 13 in Manchester against a top 10-ranked contender.

That fight could involve Sanchez, but Jermaine Franklin has also emerged as a name of interest. Moses Itauma’s camp remains keen on securing bouts that provide valuable rounds as he develops into a future heavyweight star.

The Sanchez challenge

Frank Sanchez, despite suffering his first professional defeat to Agit Kabayel last May, remains a formidable opponent. Known for his technical skill and defensive prowess, the Miami-based Cuban boasts notable victories over Efe Ajagba in 2021 and Junior Fa in 2023.

Although a knee injury hampered him in his loss to Kabayel, Sanchez bounced back with a win against Ramon Olivas Echeverria earlier this year, proving he is still a dangerous force in the division. A clash with Itauma would pit youth and raw power against experience and technical mastery, creating a compelling storyline for fans.

Usyk waiting at the top

Oleksandr Usyk, who reclaimed undisputed status after defeating Daniel Dubois in July, holds all four major belts. However, with the IBF belt being the last to unify, it sits at the back of the mandatory rotation. This means Moses Itauma’s path to Usyk, while possible through the IBF, may not be the most immediate compared to his WBO and WBA routes.