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Itauma vs Hrgovic Elevated to Vacant IBF Heavyweight Title on Aug. 29

Promoters paid mandatory Frank Sanchez to step aside so the winner at London’s O2 must face Sanchez within six months, reshaping the IBF title pathway.

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Graphic: MiddleEasy
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Overview

  • Queensberry Promotions and the IBF confirmed that Moses Itauma and Filip Hrgovic will fight for the vacant IBF heavyweight title at the O2 Arena on August 29.
  • Promoter Frank Warren said Frank Sanchez accepted a step-aside payment and agreed to fight the winner, a deal the IBF approved with a six-month mandatory defence window.
  • Itauma, 21 and unbeaten at 14-0 with 12 KOs, will make his first world-title bid and could become one of the youngest heavyweight champions if he wins.
  • Hrgovic, 34 with a 20-1 record and an Olympic bronze medal, brings veteran experience and recent wins over British opponents into the title bout.
  • Usyk’s earlier vacating of titles left the IBF belt available and this result will directly shape domestic unification talks and potential matchups, including promoter plans for 2027 if the new champion advances.