British heavyweight Moses Itauma has been ordered by the International Boxing Federation (IBF) to begin negotiations with Cuba’s Frank Sanchez for a fight for the vacant IBF heavyweight world title.
The development comes after Oleksandr Usyk vacated his IBF, WBA (Super) and WBC heavyweight titles last week, leaving the IBF championship vacant.
The governing body confirmed that Sanchez, the top-ranked heavyweight contender, has been instructed to negotiate with third-ranked Itauma in accordance with its championship regulations.
Both camps have until 29 July to reach an agreement before the fight could go to purse bids.
Itauma faces scheduling dilemma
The order creates uncertainty over Itauma’s immediate future, with the 21-year-old already scheduled to face Croatia’s Filip Hrgovic at London’s O2 Arena on 29 August.
The unbeaten British prospect has described the Hrgovic bout as the toughest test of his professional career.
Should negotiations with Sanchez prove successful, Itauma could either withdraw from the Hrgovic contest or postpone the title fight until after the scheduled August showdown.
BBC Sport has contacted Itauma’s promoter, Queensberry Promotions, for comment.
Rapid rise continues for unbeaten prospect
Itauma has quickly emerged as one of boxing’s brightest heavyweight talents.
The British fighter boasts a perfect professional record of 14 victories, with 12 of those wins coming inside the distance.
His latest success came in March when he stopped American Jermaine Franklin in the fifth round in Manchester to strengthen his credentials as a future world champion.
A victory over Sanchez would see Itauma become one of the youngest heavyweight world champions in recent history.
Usyk’s decision reshapes heavyweight division
While the IBF is moving to crown a new champion, the WBC has already promoted interim title-holder Agit Kabayel to full world champion following Usyk’s decision to relinquish the belt.
Usyk, a two-time undisputed heavyweight champion, had been required to defend his WBC title against Kabayel after receiving an exemption to face Rico Verhoeven in May.
With the Ukrainian no longer holding the IBF, WBA or WBC championships, he is now free to pursue any opponent for his next fight without mandatory obligations.
The heavyweight division has consequently entered a new phase, with multiple world titles now changing hands and several contenders set to receive long-awaited championship opportunities.
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