Moses Itauma next fight date revealed with preferred opponent named by manager

Moses Itauma’s manager, Francis Warren, insists his client will return to the ring in December.

The precocious 20-year-old talent announced himself on the world stage earlier this month with a one-round blowout of Dillian Whyte in Riyadh.

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Saudi boxing chief Turki Alalshikh has expressed interest in staging an undisputed heavyweight title fight between Itauma and reigning champion Oleksandr Usyk next.

But Itauma’s team are keen for their man to get more rounds under his belt before stepping into the ring with the pound-for-pound king.

Jermaine Franklin and Kubrat Pulev have been mentioned as potential dance partners for the Chatham southpaw.

However, Warren’s preference lies further up the heavyweight mountain.

“He will fight again in December, the world is his oyster,” Warren told Boxing News.

“What’s next? Watch this space. It is very exciting to be working with someone who is such a fantastic ambassador for the sport.

“If a big opportunity presents itself, we will grab it.

“If it is a fight that people may not see as a career-defining fight, then that is on us to decide on what step we take.

“I like the [Filip] Hrgovic fight, we will just have to see how his cut heals up.”

Filip Hrgovic is currently ranked No.6 at heavyweight by Ring Magazine and would act as an effective yardstick to see how close Itauma is to world title level.

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The Croatian recently scored a unanimous decision victory over David Adeleye.

There, he proved his chin was made of titanium by standing up to 13 consecutive unanswered blows.

Hrgovic’s impressive durability would likely provide Itauma with those all-important rounds, while the 33-year-old has the experience to ask serious questions of the youngster.

This is all assuming, of course, that Hrgovic’s cut has healed by December.

Adeleye reopened the gash above Hrgovic’s right eye that resulted in the sole blemish of his career against Daniel Dubois.

Traditionally, for a wound as deep as the one Hrgovic sustained, a fighter would be advised to sit out for six months.