Moses Itauma was accused of wasting a shot at a title that could still be salvaged if he beats Jermaine Franklin on March 28.
The 21-year-old will face Franklin, a rugged operator who represents his toughest opponent yet, at the Co-op Live Arena in Manchester.
Up to this point, the heavyweight prodigy had shown considerable talent and potential against mostly confined opposition, with his last appearance coming against the faded Dillian Whyte.
The two fighters had a brief encounter last August, with Itauma orchestrating a breathtaking first-round finish, though needless to say, tougher tests await the undefeated southpaw.
One of those jobs should go to Franklin, who lost a unanimous decision to Anthony Joshua in 2023 but has since established himself as a solid secondary contender.
If nothing else, the American will likely defeat Itauma beyond the second round for the first time in nine fights, giving him the experience necessary to resume his rapid development.
Itauma could then return to face WBA “Regular” champion Murat Gassiew, who has been mentioned numerous times as a potential opponent for the prolific knockout champion.
The former world cruiserweight champion won his second heavyweight title in December, winning 1 sixth-round knockout over 44-year-old veteran Kubrat Pulev.
Meanwhile, Anton Kadushin, Gassiyev’s coach, talks about a possible clash with Itauma said IBA that they remain open to such discussions, but believe that the Briton’s team withdrew after his last KO.
“After the fight with Pulev, Moses Itauma fell hushed, all talks about the fight with Murat stopped.
“But if this fight becomes inevitable – if we win the next one; if Moses Itauma comes out and says he’s ready to fight Gassiev at the end of the year and if the conditions are right for us – then we’re open to it. Gassiev isn’t avoiding anyone.”
By winning the WBA “Regular” belt, Itauma would put himself in a sturdy position to advance to the full title if Oleksandr Usyk vacates or is stripped of his world title. The fight has been ordered by the WBA, but if Itauma chooses a different route, he will be in good standing with other sanctioning bodies.