Itauma ordered to hold talks over IBF title fight

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Moses Itauma has won all 14 of his professional fights, including 12 inside the distance

ByMandeep SangheraBBC Sport journalist

Published50 minutes ago

Briton Moses Itauma has been ordered by the IBF to hold talks with Cuba's Frank Sanchez about fighting for the vacant heavyweight title.

Last week Oleksandr Usyk relinquished his IBF, WBA 'super' and WBC belts.

The IBF said that, "in accordance with IBF championship rules", it wants Sanchez, who is number one in their heavyweight rankings, to fight number three contender Itauma.

It said they have until 29 July to reach an agreement.

Itauma, 21, is scheduled to fight Croatia's Filip Hrgovic at London's O2 Arena on 29 August in what he has called his "toughest fight".

He could pull out of the Hrgovic fight or agree to fight Sanchez after that bout.

BBC Sport has contacted Itauma's promoter Queensberry for comment.

Itauma claimed an impressive fifth-round stoppage over Jermaine Franklin in Manchester in March.

Although the IBF wants to arrange a bout for the vacant title, the WBC upgraded interim champion Agit Kabayel to champion after Usyk gave up its belt.

Two-time undisputed heavyweight champion Usyk, who was required to fight German Kabayel after he was granted an exemption to fight Rico Verhoeven in May, is now free to fight any opponent.