Moses Itauma is unlikely to receive an immediate rematch with Filip Hrgovic after his world heavyweight title defeat. The 21-year-old British contender inflicted a second round knockdown on Hrgovic, but then tired dramatically before being stopped in the ninth round at The O2 in London on Saturday night. Itauma could now be forced to wait for another world title fight as no 1 contender Frank Sanchez is mandatory challenger for the IBF title after initially agreeing a deal to allow Itauma vs Hrgovic to go ahead first.
Hrgovic is also obliged to face Sanchez before he can pursue a unification bout against fellow champions such as Agit Kabayel, Daniel Dubois and Murat Gassiev. Sanchez's manager Mike Borao told Sky Sports: "Per the IBF, no intervening bout, including unification bouts, are permitted prior to the satisfaction of Frank Sanchez's mandatory. "That said, Queensberry is going to be our partner on Frank's next bout, presumably versus Hrgovic, and we will discuss that in the coming days with Frank and George Warren.
"For eight rounds Moses was brilliant. He will be back better, much like Daniel Dubois after his first loss. "I spoke to Frank Sanchez and [his trainer] Eddy Reynoso immediately following the bout.
Both are ready and excited for Hrgovic next. "In the meantime, congratulations to my friends [manager] Keith Connolly and Filip Hrgovic. Keep the title warm, because Frank Sanchez is coming."
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