Boxing
Itauma handed IBF order for Sanchez title bout amid Hrgovic test
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Moses Itauma has been ordered by the IBF to enter talks over a bout with Frank Sanchez for their vacant heavyweight title.
The Briton, due to face Filip Hrgovic on DAZN Pay-Per-View and DAZN Ultimate this August, is ranked second with the body.
A five-round win over Jermaine Franklin in March saw the star solidify his position as one of the division's leading contenders.
Now, he has been given the opportunity to secure a first world title shot against Sanchez after Oleksandr Usyk vacated the belt.
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The Cuban previously defeated Richard Torrez Jr. in Giza this past May to set up a tilt at the crown - but a fight is no formality.
While the IBF has given parties four weeks to strike a deal, Itauma's impending clash with Hrgovic presents a major obstacle.
With both men backed by Queensberry Promotions, it is not implausible that the Croatian could be offered a step-aside fee.
Yet Hrgovic, ranked third with the IBF, would surely only accept those terms if he was assured of a shot against the winner.
A host of other ranked contenders meanwhile could benefit should no deal be struck between Itauma and Sanchez's camps.
While Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury are both tied up, Bakhodir Jalolov, Richard Riakporhe and Justis Huni could all benefit.
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Watch Anthony Joshua's hugely anticipated return to the ring versus Kristian Prenga on Saturday, July 25 only on DAZN PPV. Buy as a one-off PPV or included, along with Itauma vs. Hrgovic and Canelo vs. Mbilli PPVs, with a DAZN Ultimate Tier subscription.
