Itauma unlikely to receive Hrgovic rematch

Moses Itauma is unlikely to receive an immediate rematch with Filip Hrgovic after his world heavyweight title defeat. <p>The 21-year-old British contender inflicted a second round knockdown on Hrgovic, but then tired dramatically before being <a href="https://www.skysports.com/boxing/news/12183/13578906/filip-hrgovic-stuns-moses-itauma-with-epic-comeback-as-british-heavyweight-star-loses-unbeaten-record" target="_self">stopped in the ninth round at The O2 in London</a> on Saturday night.</p><p>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.</p><ul><li><strong><a href="https://www.skysports.com/boxing/news/12183/13491463/boxing-2026-fight-schedule-and-latest-results-tyson-fury-oleksandr-usyk-katie-taylor-and-more">Boxing in 2026: Key dates, results and upcoming schedule</a></strong></li><li><strong><a href="https://www.sky.com/tv/sports?dcmp=Ilc_skysports_nc_articlelink" target="_blank">Get Sky Sports</a> or <a href="https://www.nowtv.com/watch-sky-sports-online?DCMP=ilc_skysports_nc_articlelink" target="_blank">stream boxing and more with no contract</a></strong></li></ul><p>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.</p><widget id="2"></widget><p>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.</p><p>"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.</p><p>"For eight rounds Moses was brilliant. He will be back better, much like Daniel Dubois after his first loss.</p> <widget id="1"></widget><p>"I spoke to Frank Sanchez and [his trainer] Eddy Reynoso immediately following the bout. Both are ready and excited for Hrgovic next.</p><p>"In the meantime, congratulations to my friends [manager] Keith Connolly and Filip Hrgovic. Keep the title warm, because Frank Sanchez is coming."</p>