The unbeaten British heavyweight is already committed to face Filip Hrgovic on August 29 at London’s O2 Arena in what is expected to be the toughest test of his career. The IBF’s latest move means victory over Hrgovic could send the 21-year-old directly into a world title fight instead of another developmental bout.
Sanchez, however, represents anything but an easy assignment.
The 33-year-old Cuba-born contender (26-1, 19 KOs) is coming off one of the finest wins of his career after stopping previously unbeaten 2020 Olympic silver medalist Richard Torrez Jr. in two rounds on May 23 at the Pyramids of Giza. The devastating knockout was one of the standout performances on the card headlined by Oleksandr Usyk’s victory over Rico Verhoeven and immediately returned Sanchez to the front of the heavyweight title picture.
For Queensberry Promotions, the order creates an intriguing decision if Itauma defeats Hrgovic.
Frank Warren has repeatedly stated that he wants Itauma fighting for a world title this year, and the IBF vacancy presents the quickest route. At the same time, Sanchez is a seasoned contender with high-level experience, excellent timing and a style that many observers believe would provide a sterner examination than Hrgovic.
The order also carries extra significance because Itauma previously declined an IBF final eliminator against Sanchez when Usyk still held the championship. At the time, there was no guarantee the winner would receive a title opportunity. The landscape has changed dramatically now that the IBF belt is vacant.
None of that matters unless Itauma gets past Hrgovic first.
The Croatian remains one of the division’s most dangerous heavyweights and has predicted he will knock out the unbeaten prospect when they meet next month. A victory for Hrgovic would end any immediate championship plans for Itauma and force the IBF to revisit its title picture.
If Itauma wins, though, Queensberry may have little reason to delay. A fight with Sanchez would give one man the chance to capture a world heavyweight title while handing the other the biggest opportunity of his professional career.
