Heavyweight boxing sensation Moses Itauma has dismissed reports claiming he turned down the chance to fight Cuban contender Frank Sanchez in an IBF final eliminator, a bout that could have paved the way to a world title shot against Oleksandr Usyk, Bold Sports reports.
Several international outlets had reported that the undefeated 20-year-old was offered the fight with Sanchez after Nigerian heavyweight Efe Ajagba declined the opportunity. But Itauma insists the story is false, stressing that Sanchez was never presented as an option.
The rising star is instead scheduled to return to the ring on December 13 in Manchester, though his opponent has yet to be confirmed.
Speaking at a press conference in Lagos, Itauma addressed the rumours head-on.
“I opened Instagram this morning and saw all those comments. That fight with Sanchez was never on the table,” he said.
“I had a meeting with Queensberry, and they offered me three names — none of them was Frank Sanchez. I don’t know where that story came from. Maybe my promoter will know more about it.”
His promoter, Francis Warren, backed him up, explaining that Itauma’s team is carefully mapping out his career and that Sanchez does not fit into their current plans.
“We are in a strong position with the WBO, WBA, and WBC. We don’t want to be pushed into an eliminator at this stage because it doesn’t align with Moses’ development plan,” Warren told the press.
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“Whether it’s Frank Sanchez or anyone else, he wasn’t on our shortlist. We’ve got clear plans for December 13 in Manchester, but Sanchez was never an option.”
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