Moses Itauma blow as Brit star forced to wait for next title shot with immediate Filip Hrgovic rematch looking unlikely

MOSES Itauma is facing a wait for his next title shot after his shock defeat to Filip Hrgovic. An immediate rematch against Hrgovic, 34, is looking unlikely for the 21-year-old British boxer. Moses Itauma looks on against Filip Hrgovic during their IBF world heavyweight title fight Credit: Getty Itauma lands a punch on Hrgovic during their IBF world heavyweight title fight Credit: Reuters Frank Sanchez, 34, has been named as the mandatory challenger after Hrgovic clinched the IBF heavyweight title on Saturday night. This muddies Itauma‘s path back to a title match after suffering a ninth-round TKO at the O2 Arena. Sign up for the Sport newsletter Thank you! MOSES ITAUMA VS FILIP HRGOVIC: LIVE COVERAGE Itauma was stretchered out of the ring with oxygen after relying heavily on the ropes to stay on his feet against the Croatian. The British star appeared to run out of energy late on despite dominating every round. Promoter Frank Warren, 74, suggested Itauma picked up a leg injury during the bout. However he needed a stretcher to leave the ring and was rushed to hospital. He’s since been discharged and is recovering at home. SUN VEGAS WELCOME OFFER: GET UP TO £100 BONUS Itauma totally dominated the fight It is understood that there was no rematch clause included in the fight deal. Most read in Sport Instead, Hrgovic has outlined his unification ambitions after winning the first world title of his career. The Croatian has named WBO champion Daniel Dubois, 28, and WBC holder Agit Kabayel, 33, as potential rivals. Hrgovic previously fought Dubois for the IBF heavyweight title in 2024, losing in an eighth-round doctor’s stoppage But Sanchez is expected to be Hrgovic’s first challenger after accepting step-aside money to allow the bout against Itauma to go ahead. Meanwhile, Itauma has been discharged from hospital as planning for his route back to the top begins. Hopes remain high that Itauma can still go on to become a leading figure in the British boxing scene despite his brutal loss. Hrgovic has advised the Commonwealth heavyweight champion to ease himself back into action to help rebuild his confidence. Meanwhile, boxing fans have noted Itauma’s incredible chin as a positive from the fight. However, Tyson Fury, 38, has offered a more uncertain perspective on the British star’s future hopes. Itauma is now expected to take an extended rest to recover from his injuries and rebuild for another title push. Comment now