Why Moses Itauma should skip Filip Hrgovic!

The undefeated heavyweight could fight Frank Sanchez for the vacant IBF world title after Oleksandr Usyk vacated the belt, raising serious questions about whether risking everything against Filip Hrgovic is still the right move.

Moses Itauma now has the opportunity to compete directly for the vacant IBF world title that Oleksandr Usyk vacated.

After Oleksandr Usyk vacated the belt, the IBF ordered negotiations between Frank Sánchez and Moses Itauma. The two have until July 19 to agree on a fight.

The question that arises, however, is whether Moses Itauma’s fight against Filip Hrgović even makes sense anymore. Originally, this fight was seen as the ideal test of mettle on the path to the world title for Moses Itauma, but now that very opportunity is already on the table.

Filip Hrgović remains one of the most dangerous fighters in the division. After his loss to Daniel Dubois, he quickly fought his way back to the top. Why should Moses Itauma take that risk now? A loss could potentially derail his path to the world title.

A solution to this problem is already on the table. Filip Hrgović could be removed from the event, and Frank Sánchez could face Moses Itauma instead. In return, Filip Hrgović could then get the next title shot against the winner.

For Moses Itauma, there’s also history on the line. While he can no longer become the youngest heavyweight world champion, he could still finish in second place. However, if he goes ahead with the fight against Filip Hrgović, he’ll miss that opportunity. It remains to be seen what the parties will ultimately agree on. It’s certainly an exciting situation we find ourselves in.

I think they should do everything they can to replace the planned fight against Filip Hrgović with a fight against Frank Sánchez. The IBF has given him this opportunity quite unexpectedly, why shouldn't he take advantage of it now? I hope Moses Itauma decides to seize this opportunity, since taking such a high risk doesn't really make sense.