Moses Itauma has turned down an IBF final eliminator bout with Frank Sanchez that would have made him a mandatory challenger for Oleksandr Usyk.
Itauma was offered the opportunity after Efe Ajagba passed on the Sanchez fight due to discontent with the purse bid result.
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Itauma rejected an IBF eliminator with dangerous contender SanchezCredit: Getty
As a result, the IBF moved down its rankings to call upon the next highest-ranked fighter, Itauma.
A statement released by the IBF last week read: “We are waiting to hear back on availability for Moses Itauma.
“If he confirms he is available, then he and Frank Sanchez would be ordered to negotiate.
“They would have 15 days from the order.”
However, Itauma, who is also ranked No.1 by the WBA and WBO, has opted to take a different route to a world title.
The IBF has since contacted Olympic silver medallist Richard Torrez Jr to take up the challenge.
Torrez Jr is yet to agree on terms for the bout, although Sanchez has accepted the change of opponent.
Providing an update on the situation, Sanchez’s co-manager, Mike Borao, told Sky Sports: “Boxers are not lining up to fight a healthy Frank Sanchez.
“Frank previously easily outboxed Efe Ajagba, so I understand why he passed.
“Moses is a superstar prospect, but likely a bit too green for Frank.
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The winner of the IBF eliminator will become mandatory for undisputed king UsykCredit: Getty
“Torrez is explosive and would make for an entertaining fight.
“Frank notified the IBF he is available. No matter the opponent, Frank is determined and will become IBF mandatory challenger.”
Who are Frank Sanchez and Richard Torrez Jr?
If Torrez Jr vs Sachez gets off the negotiation table, then the winner will be mandated to fight whoever holds the red and gold strap when it is the IBF’s turn in the sanctioning body rotation system.
At the moment, that is undisputed champion Usyk, although the belts could fragment over the coming months.
Sanchez (25-1) is a well-schooled Cuban fighter who is trained by Canelo Alvarez‘s head coach, Eddy Reynoso.
He beat Ajagba in 2021 to establish himself as one of the top heavyweights in the world.
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Torrez Jr is an Olympic silver medallistCredit: GETTY
However, an injury-hampered defeat to Agit Kabayel in May 2024 saw his stock fall.
America’s Torrez Jr (13-0) enjoyed a fruitful amateur career that included a silver medal at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games and five U.S. National titles.
He is coming off a career-best win over fellow Olympian Guido Vianello in April.