Moses Itauma’s manager has picked out his fighter’s next opponent, who is being eyed for a fight in December after Itauma’s first-round destruction of Dillian Whyte.
After Itauma blasted past Whyte with more ease than anyone before, the calls have been for Itauma to step in with the undisputed king of the division, Oleksandr Usyk, next. Saudi boxing boss Turki Alalshikh believes this is the fight to make and said so after Usyk knocked out Daniel Dubois in July.
But Francis Warren sees it differently and, speaking to Boxing News, named Filip Hrgovic as the man they are targeting for the young phenom’s return before the end of the year.
“If it is a fight that people may not see as a career-defining fight, then that is on us to decide on what step we take. I like the [Filip] Hrgovic fight, we will just have to see how [Hrgovic’s] cut heals up.”
Hrgovic is coming off an impressive win over former British champion David Adeleye on the undercard of Itauma’s win over Whyte. The Croatian is ranked No 6 by The Ring and WBC. He also sits at No 2 with the WBO, just below Itauma, who is their top-ranked contender.
With the division on temporary hold while the undisputed champion Oleksandr Usyk decides on what is next, a fight against Hrgovic could be an eliminator for Joseph Parker’s WBO interim title.
Subscribe to DAZN now to watch over 185 fights a year
While Itauma came through his fight with Whyte without a scratch, Hrgovic suffered a nasty cut above his right eye on the way to a unanimous decision against Adeleye.
This raises doubts about his ability to make a quick turnaround for a fight in December, as Warren hopes. If the towering Croatian is unavailable, then other names to consider include Jermaine Franklin and Kubrat Pulev.
Warren says they are open to any opportunities, but he was clear that Itauma will be back before the year is out.
Enjoy 185+ fights a year on DAZN, the Global Home of Boxing
Never miss a fight from top promoters. Watch on your devices anywhere, anytime.
ADVERTISEMENT. If you sign up to this service we will earn commission. This revenue helps to fund journalism across The Independent.
Enjoy 185+ fights a year on DAZN, the Global Home of Boxing
Never miss a fight from top promoters. Watch on your devices anywhere, anytime.
ADVERTISEMENT. If you sign up to this service we will earn commission. This revenue helps to fund journalism across The Independent.
“He will fight again in December, the world is his oyster,” said Warren. “What’s next? Watch this space. It is very exciting to be working with someone who is such a fantastic ambassador for the sport. If a big opportunity presents itself, we will grab it.”
Watch the biggest fights and best fighters with a DAZN subscription
A DAZN subscription provides access to over 185 fights a year across a range of combat sports from the world’s best promoters. For pricing and more information, click here.
