Moses Itauma has been handed a direct route to the IBF heavyweight title, leaving Queensberry with one obvious question: why risk everything against Filip Hrgovic?

In a statement sent to World Boxing News, the International Boxing Federation confirmed it had received official notice on June 26 that Oleksandr Usyk was vacating the IBF heavyweight championship.

In accordance with its championship rules, the governing body ordered top-ranked Frank Sanchez to negotiate with number three contender Moses Itauma for the vacant title. The pair have until July 29 to reach an agreement.

Instantly, Hrgovic became an unnecessary obstacle on Itauma’s path to a world title.

When Itauma agreed to face Hrgovic on August 29 at The O2 in London, it represented the perfect step up for one of boxing’s brightest newborn heavyweights.

That equation has completely changed.

IBF Pays Tribute to Usyk

In the statement provided to WBN, the IBF also acknowledged Usyk’s reign before confirming the order.

“Throughout his distinguished career, Usyk has established himself as one of the sport’s elite competitors and the IBF is honored to have recognized him as one of its world champions.

“His talent and pursuit of excellence have made a lasting impact on boxing and will continue to inspire future generations of fighters.

“The IBF wishes Oleksandr Usyk continued success in the pursuit of his future endeavors.”

Only after paying tribute to the former champion did the IBF officially order Sanchez and Itauma to negotiate for the vacant championship.

It is an opportunity many contenders spend years chasing. Itauma has now been handed that chance immediately.

The Hrgovic Fight No Longer Makes Sense

When Queensberry announced the Hrgovic fight, promoter Frank Warren described it as the “litmus test” Itauma was ready for, while DAZN billed it as a pivotal clash with world title implications.

Those implications have now become reality.

Nobody doubts Itauma’s willingness to fight anybody. He signed to face Hrgovic before a world title unexpectedly landed on the table. That is a completely different situation.

Hrgovic remains one of the heavyweight division’s most perilous contenders despite suffering only one defeat, against Daniel Dubois. Since then, the Croatian has rebuilt momentum with victories over Joe JoyceDavid Adeleye and Dave Allen to re-establish himself among the leading names in the division.

If a deal can be struck, replacing Hrgovic with Sanchez on August 29 for the vacant IBF heavyweight title is the obvious solution.

As compensation, Hrgovic could receive the first shot at the fresh champion if Itauma defeats Sanchez.

Whether that proves possible depends on whether everyone involved is willing to restructure the agreements already in place.

Heavyweight History Still Beckons

A switch would also assist Itauma in his historic mission that has already missed one mark.

Itauma’s dream of breaking Mike Tyson’s record as the youngest heavyweight champion is already gone, but another target remains within reach.

If the 21-year-old wins the vacant IBF title before October, he would move ahead of Floyd Patterson to become the second-youngest heavyweight champion in history.

If he waits until after facing Hrgovic, that opportunity disappears forever.

Queensberry matched Itauma with Hrgovic because it appeared to be the quickest route to a championship opportunity.

The IBF has now handed them an even quicker one.

Unless the deal with Hrgovic is already beyond saving, Queensberry should exhaust every option to make Sanchez instead.

The IBF has unexpectedly handed Itauma a world title shot and a chance to become the second-youngest heavyweight champion in history.

Passing up that opportunity for an unnecessary risk would be arduous to justify.

About the Author

Phil Jay is the Editor-in-Chief of World Boxing News (WBN) and a veteran boxing reporter with 15+ years of experience. He has interviewed world champions, broken international exclusives, and reported ringside since 2010. Read full bio.