IBF Orders Frank Sanchez and Moses Itauma to Negotiate for Vacant Heavyweight Title

Overview

• The International Boxing Federation has formally ordered its No.1 contender Frank Sanchez to negotiate with No.3 Moses Itauma for the vacant IBF heavyweight belt and set a July 29 deadline to reach an agreement.
• Itauma is already contracted to face Filip Hrgovic on August 29 at London’s O2 Arena on a DAZN pay‑per‑view card, creating a scheduling and eligibility conflict for the young British prospect.
• If Itauma withdraws from or reschedules the Hrgovic fight the IBF bout could proceed, and if Hrgovic defeats Itauma he would likely move into contention because he is ranked No.4 by the IBF.
• Itauma’s handlers previously declined an IBF eliminator with Sanchez to protect WBO and WBA positioning, which helps explain the current tension between ranking strategy and immediate title opportunity.
• The order follows Oleksandr Usyk’s recent relinquishing of multiple belts and the WBC’s elevation of Agit Kabayel to full champion, a shift that has reopened several heavyweight title pathways and increased commercial pressure on promoters and broadcasters.