Moses Itauma could fight for world title in 2026, says Warren

Moses Itauma could challenge for a heavyweight world title before the end of 2026 if he beats Filip Hrgovic this summer, according to promoter Frank Warren.

Warren told Sky Sports that his 21-year-old heavyweight contender is already positioned to fight for a championship but the team wants to keep him active rather than wait for an opportunity to open up. Itauma meets Hrgovic on August 29 in a scheduled showcase on Queensberry's card.

Warren pushing for Itauma world title shot this year

"If [Itauma] wins, world title fight," Warren said, per Bad Left Hook. "He's No 1 now, he could sit it out and wait for it but we want to keep him busy and get experience and that's what he wants." Warren added that he would like to see the bout happen before the calendar flips, saying the goal is to "get it done this year."

Itauma sounded less certain about the timeline, saying he leaves the decision in higher hands and suggesting an early-2027 date is just as likely if this year does not work out. The unbeaten prospect would first need to handle Hrgovic, who has his own designs on derailing the British fighter's momentum.

Itauma said he does not let outside expectations weigh on him, instead treating pressure as something that sharpens him. The Hrgovic bout is set for late August at a yet-to-be-confirmed venue.

Reported via:

• Bad Left Hook — ‘If Itauma wins, world title fight’: Frank Warren would like to see Moses Itauma get championship opportunity this year