Moses Itauma Set to Be Offered Eliminator for Oleksandr Usyk’s Title After Efe Ajagba Withdraws

The heavyweight boxing landscape has shifted once again. Rising British star Moses Itauma may now be in line for the biggest opportunity of his career as he is set to be offered an IBF title eliminator. This development comes after Efe Ajagba officially withdrew from his scheduled final eliminator against Frank Sanchez, leaving a vacancy in the International Boxing Federation’s plans for deciding the next mandatory challenger to Oleksandr Usyk’s heavyweight crown.

With Usyk holding the undisputed heavyweight titles, every move within the sanctioning bodies is being closely monitored. Itauma’s youth, skill, and growing reputation put him in prime position to seize this opening, which could catapult him into the world title picture far earlier than many expected.

The IBF Eliminator Situation

The IBF had originally ordered Frank Sanchez vs. Efe Ajagba in a final eliminator. The winner of that bout would have been declared the mandatory challenger for Usyk’s IBF heavyweight world title. However, Ajagba’s withdrawal means he has forfeited his position in the IBF rankings, immediately altering the hierarchy.

That leaves Moses Itauma, the next most highly ranked heavyweight behind Sanchez and Ajagba, as the natural candidate to step in. At just 20 years old, Itauma is already building a name for himself as one of the brightest young heavyweights in the world. His undefeated record, explosive power, and technical skill have made him a fighter to watch, and this sudden development may fast-track his rise.

Moses Itauma’s Position in the Rankings

While the IBF opportunity is the headline, Itauma is in a unique position because he is also well placed with the WBO. In fact, he is the No. 1 ranked contender with the WBO, sitting just behind interim champion Joseph Parker.

This means Itauma has multiple pathways toward a potential title shot. On one hand, stepping into the IBF eliminator would put him directly in line for Usyk’s belt under that sanctioning body. On the other, he could remain focused on the WBO route, where his position already guarantees a near-future opportunity against the winner of Parker vs. Fabio Wardley.

Such flexibility gives Itauma and his team valuable leverage in negotiations, allowing them to weigh both financial and sporting considerations before committing to a path.

Richard Torrez Waiting in the Wings

Should Itauma decline the IBF eliminator to pursue his WBO path, the door could open for another highly regarded prospect. Richard Torrez, the American Olympic silver medallist, is the next most highly ranked heavyweight in the IBF standings after Itauma.

Torrez, like Itauma, has generated buzz for his skill and charisma, and many believe he will one day be a world title challenger. If Itauma chooses another route, a Frank Sanchez vs. Richard Torrez eliminator could be a compelling fight in its own right.

Oleksandr Usyk’s Heavyweight Picture

The man at the center of all this is Oleksandr Usyk, the Ukrainian legend who currently holds the undisputed heavyweight championship. Fresh off a knockout victory over Daniel Dubois earlier this year, Usyk has once again proven his dominance at heavyweight after moving up from cruiserweight.

However, Usyk’s immediate plans are already somewhat locked in. He has been granted an extension on medical grounds for his WBO mandatory defense, which means his next fight is expected to be against the winner of Joseph Parker vs. Fabio Wardley. That bout would likely take place next year, delaying any IBF mandatory obligations.

This timeline creates uncertainty for the IBF eliminator participants, as the winner may have to wait an extended period before receiving their actual title shot. Still, the chance to become a confirmed mandatory challenger remains invaluable for a rising star like Itauma.

Why This Could Be a Career-Defining Moment for Itauma

For Moses Itauma, this situation represents more than just another fight opportunity. It could mark the turning point where he transitions from being seen as a rising prospect to being a serious world title contender.

At 20 years old, few heavyweights in history have been placed so close to a world title opportunity. A victory over Sanchez—or whoever the IBF selects—would propel Itauma into global recognition and put him in line to face one of the greatest boxers of this generation in Usyk.

However, the decision is not without risk. Sanchez is an experienced and dangerous opponent with a polished skill set. Jumping into such a fight so early in his career carries challenges, and Itauma’s camp will need to carefully assess whether the timing is right.

The Bigger Heavyweight Picture

The heavyweight division is currently one of the most exciting in boxing. With Tyson Fury, Anthony Joshua, Joseph Parker, Deontay Wilder, Daniel Dubois, and Zhilei Zhang all active, opportunities for blockbuster matchups are plentiful.

Moses Itauma’s potential rise into this mix adds even more intrigue. A youthful, undefeated heavyweight with both power and charisma, he could be the fresh face that keeps the division vibrant for years to come.

Meanwhile, Oleksandr Usyk continues to solidify his legacy as one of the sport’s all-time greats. His ability to control fights with precision, footwork, and ring IQ has made him nearly untouchable. Any fighter who earns the right to face him—be it Itauma, Sanchez, or Torrez—will be stepping into a career-defining challenge.

What Happens Next?

The next steps depend largely on Itauma’s decision. If he accepts the IBF eliminator, fans could soon see him in a high-stakes showdown against Frank Sanchez, with the winner becoming Usyk’s mandatory challenger. If he opts to continue down the WBO route, then Richard Torrez may get the call instead.

Either way, the heavyweight division is in flux, and the upcoming months will be crucial in shaping its future. For Moses Itauma, the opportunity is as big as it gets: a chance to accelerate his path toward becoming heavyweight champion of the world.

Final Thoughts

The withdrawal of Efe Ajagba has created an unexpected opportunity in the heavyweight division. Moses Itauma, with his youth and skill, now stands at the crossroads of his career. Accepting the IBF eliminator would thrust him into the spotlight, while staying with the WBO route keeps him on steady ground toward a mandatory shot.

For fans, the scenario only adds to the excitement around the heavyweight scene. Whether Itauma, Torrez, or another contender gets the chance, one thing is certain—the eventual challenger will have the daunting task of trying to dethrone Oleksandr Usyk, a champion who continues to redefine greatness.

At just 20 years old, Itauma may be standing on the brink of history. The decisions made in the coming weeks could shape not only his career but also the future of the heavyweight division itself.