Overview
- Frank Warren confirmed Itauma will now fight on August 8, with the opponent still to be signed.
- The July 25 slot was dropped to avoid clashing with Anthony Joshua, who is scheduled to face Kristian Prenga in Riyadh that night.
- WBO executive Gustavo Olivieri plans to recommend Itauma as the mandatory challenger, with timing likely shaped by the Wardley–Dubois result.
- Itauma is ranked No. 1 by the WBA and WBO, No. 2 by the WBC, and No. 5 by the IBF, and he already holds mandatory status for Murat Gassiev’s WBA ‘regular’ belt.
- Queensberry is targeting a U.S. debut for Itauma in November or December if he wins in August, which would build his profile before a possible title shot.