The heavyweight boxing world is buzzing after news broke that Moses Itauma has rejected an IBF final eliminator against Frank Sanchez, a fight that would have put him directly in line for a world title shot against the reigning undisputed champion Oleksandr Usyk.

At just 20 years old, Itauma has already made waves as one of the sport’s brightest prospects, holding an undefeated record and earning high rankings across major sanctioning bodies. Yet his decision to pass on this eliminator raises intriguing questions: Is he playing the long game, carefully choosing his path, or missing a golden opportunity to fast-track his way to the top?

This article takes a deep dive into Itauma’s choice, the implications for the heavyweight division, and what lies ahead for the British prodigy.

Moses Itauma’s Rise Through the Ranks

Before addressing the eliminator rejection, it’s crucial to understand just how quickly Moses Itauma has risen in professional boxing.

Still only 20, Itauma turned professional with immense hype, being heralded as a future world champion from the start. In just 13 fights, he has amassed an impressive 13-0 record with 11 knockouts, demonstrating speed, power, and poise well beyond his years.

His most notable win to date came in August, when he scored a stunning stoppage of Dillian Whyte inside two minutes on a stacked Riyadh card. The bout was intended to be Itauma’s first real test, but he dismantled the veteran with ease, showcasing why many call him the future of the heavyweight division.

The IBF Final Eliminator Offer

After Efe Ajagba turned down a proposed eliminator against Frank Sanchez, the IBF offered the opportunity to Itauma.

The stakes were enormous:

A win would have made Itauma the mandatory challenger for the IBF belt.

That belt is currently held by Oleksandr Usyk, the undisputed heavyweight champion.

It could have set up a direct world title shot within months, bypassing the usual drawn-out politics of sanctioning bodies.

For many fighters, such an opportunity would be irresistible. But Itauma and his team declined.

Why Moses Itauma Rejected the Fight

The decision raised eyebrows across the boxing world. Why would a fighter reject a chance to face Usyk, considered one of the greatest technicians of this generation? Several factors come into play:

Inexperience at the Top Level

Despite his impressive record, Itauma has yet to face opponents consistently ranked among the world’s elite. At only 20, he has fought just 26 rounds across his professional career. Jumping straight into the deep end against Sanchez — and then potentially Usyk — could be premature.

Frank Sanchez Is a Dangerous Risk

Cuban fighter Frank Sanchez (25-1) is a slick, technically sound heavyweight who has given many contenders trouble. Trained by Eddy Reynoso, who also coaches Saul “Canelo” Alvarez, Sanchez brings a disciplined style that frustrates opponents.

As Sanchez’s co-manager Mike Borao told Sky Sports:

“Boxers are not lining up to fight a healthy Frank Sanchez. Moses is a superstar prospect, but likely a bit too green for Frank.”

In short, Sanchez represents a high-risk, low-reward scenario for a rising star like Itauma.

Alternative Title Opportunities

Itauma is already ranked No. 1 with the WBO and WBA, giving him other avenues toward a title. With Oleksandr Usyk’s mandatory schedule complicated and interim title fights looming, Itauma may find a smoother route elsewhere.

The Chain Reaction: Richard Torrez Jr Steps In

With Itauma passing on the fight, the IBF offered the eliminator to Richard Torrez Jr, an American heavyweight ranked just behind Itauma.

Torrez, known for his aggressive style and Olympic background, has yet to accept terms, but Sanchez has already agreed. Should the fight materialize, the winner would become Usyk’s mandatory IBF challenger.

This development not only reshuffles the IBF picture but also potentially delays Itauma’s own shot at the undisputed champion.

Oleksandr Usyk’s Position in the Mix

While Itauma’s decision focuses attention on his career trajectory, it’s also important to consider Oleksandr Usyk’s situation.

Usyk, fresh off a grueling schedule, has been granted an extension for negotiations regarding his WBO mandatory defense against Joseph Parker. Parker will now face Fabio Wardley instead, leaving Usyk temporarily inactive as he recovers from injury.

Usyk’s promotional company, Ready to Fight, issued a statement:

“Oleksandr has earned the time to recover. And after that, fans will see him back in the ring — ready for new great fights. Right now, our team is considering new opportunities and an exciting location to stage another fight for the undisputed world championship.”

This suggests that even if Itauma had pursued the IBF eliminator, a fight with Usyk may not have happened immediately.

Evaluating Itauma’s Strategy

So, was Itauma right to turn down the eliminator? Let’s weigh the pros and cons.

Pros:

More Development Time: He can continue to gain experience against high-level opponents without being rushed.

Avoiding a Style Nightmare: Frank Sanchez’s defensive skills could derail Itauma’s momentum.

Other Rankings in His Favor: As WBO and WBA No. 1, Itauma already has leverage for a world title shot soon.

Cons:

Missed Opportunity: Direct access to a world title fight is rare, and bypassing it may delay his ascent.

Perception of Avoidance: Fans and critics may view the decision as a lack of readiness.

Shifting Landscape: Boxing politics can be unpredictable, and title opportunities may vanish quickly.

What Comes Next for Moses Itauma?

With the IBF route closed for now, Itauma’s next steps will likely involve:

Targeting a Big Fight in 2025

His team has hinted at eyeing the winner of Joseph Parker vs. Fabio Wardley, who are clashing for interim WBO and WBA belts. That bout, scheduled for October, could set up Itauma’s next major opportunity in 2025.

High-Profile Matchups in the UK

Despite making his mark internationally, Itauma has yet to headline a major event in the United Kingdom. Promoter Frank Warren will likely aim to build his star power at home with a stadium fight.

Balancing Risk and Reward

While Itauma doesn’t shy away from tough opponents, his team will carefully weigh risk against career progression. Expect to see him in against durable but beatable contenders before a full world title challenge.

The Heavyweight Division at a Crossroads

Itauma’s decision underscores the complex nature of the heavyweight boxing landscape. With Oleksandr Usyk holding all the belts, contenders must navigate sanctioning body politics, mandatory orders, and strategic matchmaking.

Frank Sanchez remains a dangerous player, now possibly facing Torrez.

Joseph Parker and Fabio Wardley will determine the interim WBO/WBA situation.

Deontay Wilder, Anthony Joshua, and Tyson Fury still loom as major names in the background.

In this crowded field, Itauma’s patient approach may ultimately prove wise, ensuring he enters the biggest fights at the right time.

A Calculated Gamble

Moses Itauma rejecting the IBF final eliminator against Frank Sanchez is not a sign of weakness, but rather a strategic choice. At only 20 years old, with top rankings across multiple sanctioning bodies, he has time on his side.

While some will argue he missed a golden chance to fast-track a fight with Oleksandr Usyk, Itauma and his team appear focused on the bigger picture: sustained development, headline opportunities, and securing the right fight at the right time.

Boxing history is filled with examples of fighters who jumped too soon and stumbled. Itauma is determined not to become one of them. Instead, he is carefully charting a path that could see him not just challenge for a title, but dominate the heavyweight division for years to come.