Moses Itauma will fight for the vacant IBF world heavyweight title when he faces Filip Hrgovic in London on August 29.
Oleksandr Usyk announced his decision to vacate the WBC, WBA and IBF belts last month and the unbeaten British contender now has the opportunity to become the new IBF world champion in his clash with Croatian Hrgovic at The O2.
Frank Sanchez, who is the IBF No 1 contender after his knockout victory over Richard Torrez Jnr in May, has been guaranteed a shot at the Itauma vs Hrgovic winner.
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Itauma has blazed his path to a world title shot with 14 victories, featuring 12 knockouts, and he ruthlessly stopped Jermaine Franklin in Manchester in March.
But the 21-year-old is taking a sizeable step up in class against Hrgovic, who holds victories over Zhilei Zhang and Joe Joyce, with his only loss coming against Daniel Dubois by stoppage in 2024.
Cuban Sanchez will lie in wait for the new IBF champion, having secured a mandatory shot at the IBF belt after his explosive second-round stoppage of Torrez Jr.
Sanchez's manager Mike Borao said: "Frank Sanchez has allowed Itauma and Hrgovic to fight for the vacant IBF title on August 29 under the condition, as mandatory #1 contender, he fights the winner with no intervening bouts.
"Frank didn't want to fight until the end of the year in order to prepare properly, so the timeline works perfectly for him, especially considering the Itauma vs Hrgovic fight is less than 30 days away.
"The deal we negotiated for Frank to fight the winner is lucrative financially, he maintains his mandatory status, and is only deferring his opportunity a few months.
"The agreement was relatively easy to make with Queensberry and Warriors Boxing, although at times it looked like a deal would fail to materialize.
"I've known George Warren a long time. He understands the heavyweight division, is a gentleman and pleasure to work with. The final deal is good for the participating boxers, promoters, the IBF, and the fans. I am glad it got over the finish line.
"Frank is anxious to fight Ituama or Hrgovic, he doesn't care who it is, and wishes the best of luck to both. He feels he will beat either and become heavyweight champion this year, the target date being December."
The IBF belt is the last remaining vacant title as Agit Kabayel has been elevated as the new WBC champion, while Murat Gassiev has been upgraded to WBA champion.
Watch Aaron McKenna vs Etinosa Oliha for the IBF world middleweight title in Dublin on Saturday, live on Sky Sports. Get Sky Sports or stream boxing with no contract.
(c) Sky Sports 2026: Moses Itauma can become the new IBF world heavyweight champion when he fights Filip Hrgovic on August 29
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