Moses Itauma rejected a battle against Frank Sanchez for a final of the IBF heavyweight to become the compulsory challenger for the undisputed champion Oleksandr utility.
Dangerous Cuban a risk too soon
It would have been a difficult battle for the 20-year-old Itauma, with Cuban Sanchez (25-1, 18 COs), who probably wouldn’t fold quickly until he landed some big bombs of his own.
Torrez jr. Fast-traced to the title shot
Sky Sports Boxing reported that 2020 Olympic silver medalist 2020 Richard torrez jr. (13-0, 11) was the fight against Sanchez for the IBF title Eliminator. It would be a shortcut for 26-year-old Torrez Jr. To earn a title shot after three years.
Torrez jr. Is also a large puncher in the same form as Itauma, but more willing to stand and fight. Itauma is more a potshot -type guy who pulls back when attacked. He doesn’t like to stand in the bag to exchange with his opponents, especially if they have a little doll in their push.
The Queensberry-promoted Itauma, in his short two-year career in his short two-year career and also did not stand in its abbreviated amateur career. It would have been Itauma’s first outing against a Slugger. So it is understandable why he chose not to face Sanchez. It would have been baptism by fire, and he may have failed.
Itauma chooses easier wba, wbo -routes
Itauma (13-0, 11 COs) will focus on a different direction. He is in the first place on August 16, 2025, 1 WBA and #1 WBO after his first round win over veteran Dillian Whyte.
Sanchez is still a threat if it is healthy
The WBA #2 selected contender is Michael Hunter, who is not a big puncher. With the WBO, the #2 contender is Filip HRGOVIC. It would be a difficult battle for Itauma, but probably not as risky as standing up against a lightning and powerful Sanchez. If the Cuban fighter has two healthy bones, he is dangerous.
In Sanchez’s seventh round knock -out loss to Agit Kabayel on May 18, 2024, he had an existing right knee injury and was wearing a knee hanging during the fight.
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Last updated on 09/29/2025
