Moses Itauma Withdraws from IBF Final Eliminator Against Sanchez

20-year-old British heavyweight prospect Moses Itauma has withdrawn from the IBF final eliminator against Cuban contender Frank Sanchez.

The winner of this fight was set to become the mandatory challenger for the IBF title, currently held by undisputed heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk.

Previously, Nigerian fighter Efe Ajagba had also pulled out of a fight with Sanchez. Now, the bout has been offered to American Richard Torrez Jr., who currently sits sixth in the IBF rankings.

Sanchez’s co-manager, Mike Borao, commented on the situation, stressing that the Cuban is ready to face anyone in the ring.

“Fighters are in no rush to step in against a healthy Frank Sanchez. Frank easily outboxed Efe Ajagba before, so I understand why he refused. Moses is a superstar prospect, but he’s probably still too raw for Frank.

Torrez is explosive and could make for an exciting fight. Frank has informed the IBF that he’s available. Regardless of the opponent, he is determined and will become the IBF mandatory challenger,” Borao said.

On August 16, Moses Itauma (13-0, 11 KOs) stopped Dillian Whyte in the first round.

Frank Sanchez (25-1, 18 KOs) last fought in February, when he scored a third-round TKO over Ramon Olivas Echeverria.

Photo: DAZN