Frank Warren Plots Comeback Paths for Moses Itauma and Filip Hrgovic Following August Heavyweight Clash

Moses Itauma and Filip Hrgovic are scheduled to make their returns to the ring early next year, with promoter Frank Warren expressing confidence in orchestrating a significant opportunity for his newly crowned world champion.

The pair faced off in August, where Itauma established an early advantage through a second-round knockdown and superior footwork, effectively utilizing his speed in the opening stages of the bout.

However, the momentum shifted dramatically when the 21-year-old British prospect attempted a bold finish in the ninth round, ultimately succumbing to exhaustion and being halted by the referee, resulting in a stoppage loss.

This outcome saw Hrgovic capture the vacant IBF heavyweight title, making him Croatia’s first-ever heavyweight champion, while Itauma’s aspirations of becoming the youngest major titleholder since Mike Tyson were postponed.

Despite the setback, Warren has assured the media that Itauma will return to competition in January, potentially even earlier, lining up a rematch with a known opponent as he sets his sights on future title opportunities.

“We’re looking at January, if not before. There are a few potential opponents under consideration, and I’m quite confident that whatever decision we make will be well received.

I’d prefer he face someone recognizable to start the year. My goal is to get him active early and allow him to focus on what he truly wants — winning a world title.”

Meanwhile, Warren is working toward arranging a homecoming bout for Hrgovic, who is required to defend his IBF crown against mandatory challenger Frank Sanchez in what promises to be a landmark event for Croatian boxing.

“We’re doing everything we can to bring the fight to Croatia and fulfill his dream. He has earned this moment, and I believe the entire nation would rally behind their champion.

We’re currently in discussions with the Croatian government, and I’m cautiously optimistic that we can finalize the details soon.”

Hrgovic has not competed on home soil since 2018, when he secured a unanimous decision victory over veteran Kevin Johnson across eight rounds.

That same year, he scored a third-round stoppage of Amir Mansour at Arena Zagreb, a venue capable of accommodating approximately 15,000 spectators and a possible candidate for his upcoming defense.

Alternatively, the Maksimir football stadium in Zagreb, which holds around 25,000 fans, presents another viable option for hosting Hrgovic’s next fight.

Regardless of the location chosen, a Hrgovic versus Sanchez showdown would represent the largest boxing event ever held in Croatia, surpassing even the previous world title contest staged there in April 2024, where Ivana Habazin successfully defended her WBC title against Kinga Magyar.

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