Itauma to Be Offered Route to Usyk Fight with IBF Eliminator Bout Against Dangerous Contender

The heavyweight division is once again buzzing with anticipation, as rising British star Moses Itauma edges closer to a potential clash with Oleksandr Usyk, the reigning undisputed heavyweight champion. According to reports, the 20-year-old southpaw is on the verge of being offered an IBF final eliminator bout against Cuban contender Frank Sanchez, which would put him in line as the mandatory challenger for Usyk’s titles.

But this opportunity does not come without risk. Sanchez, despite a recent setback, is known for his technical skill and dangerous style. The decision now lies with Itauma and his team: accept the IBF route with a risky eliminator fight, or continue pursuing his already strong positions with the WBO and WBA.

Why This IBF Eliminator Fight Matters

The IBF Shake-Up After Ajagba’s Withdrawal

The IBF originally ordered Frank Sanchez to face Efe Ajagba in a rematch to determine the No.1 mandatory challenger. However, Ajagba withdrew from the bout, unhappy with the purse bid results.

• Premier Boxing Champions (PBC), Sanchez’s promoter, submitted the winning bid of $302,000, edging out Top Rank’s $210,000.

• Under the 60-40 split, Ajagba stood to earn $181,200, while Sanchez would have received $120,800 plus his minimum contracted purse from PBC.

• Unhappy with the outcome, Ajagba declined, and as a result, he is set to be dropped from the IBF’s top 15 rankings.

With Ajagba gone, the IBF is now moving down its rankings to find Sanchez’s next opponent. That opens the door for Moses Itauma, who currently sits at No.5.

What This Means for Moses Itauma

If Itauma accepts the IBF’s offer, he would face Frank Sanchez in a high-stakes final eliminator bout. A victory would guarantee him mandatory status, making him the official challenger to Oleksandr Usyk.

However, Itauma has multiple pathways toward a world title:

• WBO Ranking: No.1

• WBA Ranking: No.1

• IBF Ranking: No.5

• WBC Ranking: No.11

Given his high positions in the WBO and WBA, Itauma could potentially secure a faster route to a title shot without the immediate danger of facing Sanchez.

Will Moses Itauma Accept the IBF Eliminator?

Options on the Table

The decision is far from straightforward. Itauma and his promoter Frank Warren have already hinted at a December 13 fight in Manchester against a top 10 contender. Possible names floated include Frank Sanchez himself or Jermaine Franklin, an American heavyweight who has been under serious consideration.

Warren’s strategy may focus on building Itauma gradually, ensuring he gets more rounds against seasoned opponents before stepping into the most dangerous fights.

Why WBO and WBA Rankings Might Be Better

The sanctioning body rotation system determines the order in which champions must defend their titles. Since the IBF belt was the last added to Usyk’s undisputed crown—after his knockout win over Daniel Dubois—it sits last in line.

This means Itauma’s WBO and WBA No.1 positions could give him a quicker chance at a mandatory fight than going down the IBF path. Accepting the eliminator could delay his opportunity if the rotation doesn’t line up quickly.

The Dangerous Challenge of Frank Sanchez

Who Is Frank Sanchez?

Frank Sanchez, based in Miami, is one of the most technically skilled heavyweights in the division. Known as “The Cuban Flash,” he combines slick footwork with sharp counters.

Key highlights of his career:

• Defeated Efe Ajagba convincingly in October 2021, dropping and outclassing him.

• Stopped Junior Fa in December 2023.

• Recently returned from a knee injury with a win over Ramon Olivas Echeverria.

Although he suffered his first professional loss to Agit Kabayel in May, Sanchez remains a formidable opponent who could pose serious problems for a developing heavyweight like Itauma.

Why Sanchez Is a Risky Opponent

At just 20 years old, Itauma is still gaining experience. Facing Sanchez now could be a double-edged sword:

• Pros: Victory would establish Itauma as a legitimate top-tier heavyweight and line him up directly for Usyk.

• Cons: A loss would slow his momentum and potentially drop him in the rankings.

Sanchez’s technical boxing IQ makes him dangerous, particularly for fighters who rely heavily on power.

The Oleksandr Usyk Factor

Usyk’s Current Reign

At 38 years old, Oleksandr Usyk remains the undisputed heavyweight champion after unifying the WBO, WBA, WBC, and IBF titles. His latest victory against Daniel Dubois cemented his dominance, but questions linger about how long he will remain active at the top level.

If Itauma secures a mandatory position, he could find himself in line to face Usyk—or whoever holds the belts if the Ukrainian decides to retire or vacate.

Could Itauma Beat Usyk?

Trainer Ben Davison has already declared that Itauma may be the best-positioned fighter to defeat Usyk. With his southpaw stance, speed, and size, Itauma represents a rare challenge for the Ukrainian champion.

While Usyk’s skill set is unmatched, a young, powerful, and relentless fighter like Itauma could test him in ways few others have managed.

What’s Next for Moses Itauma?

December 13 Fight in Manchester

The immediate focus remains Itauma’s return on December 13 at Co-op Live Arena in Manchester. While the opponent has not been officially confirmed, the fight is expected to be against a top 10 contender, keeping him in line for world title opportunities across multiple sanctioning bodies.

Long-Term Path to a World Title

Itauma’s team must now decide between:

1. Taking the IBF eliminator against Frank Sanchez, a risky but potentially career-defining bout.

2. Leveraging his WBO and WBA rankings, which may provide a clearer and faster route to a title shot.

Either path brings challenges, but both confirm that Moses Itauma is on the brink of becoming a world title contender.

Conclusion

The situation surrounding Moses Itauma highlights the complexities of modern heavyweight boxing. With the IBF offering him a final eliminator against Frank Sanchez, the 20-year-old is faced with a massive decision: risk it all against a dangerous opponent or pursue a safer route through his already strong WBO and WBA rankings.

Regardless of which path he chooses, Itauma’s position in the sport is undeniable. At such a young age, he is already seen as a future world champion—and possibly the man who could challenge Oleksandr Usyk’s dominance.

With his December 13 fight in Manchester approaching, fans are eagerly waiting to see whether Itauma takes the bold step into an IBF eliminator or opts for a more calculated rise. One thing is certain: Moses Itauma’s journey to the heavyweight throne is only just beginning.