Moses Itauma Scheduled for January Return Following Stoppage Loss

Heavyweight Moses Itauma will return to the ring in January to begin a campaign for a world title by the end of 2027.

Promoter Frank Warren announced that 21-year-old heavyweight Moses Itauma will return to the ring in January. The comeback follows the first defeat of Itauma's career, a ninth-round stoppage loss to Filip Hrgovic in August. Despite dominating the first half of that bout, Itauma ran out of steam, allowing Hrgovic to claim the vacant IBF world title.

Warren aims to match Itauma against a well-known opponent to launch a bid for the heavyweight crown by the end of 2027. A requested rematch with Hrgovic was not possible as the IBF champion is currently scheduled to face Frank Sanchez. Itauma is expected to join a 2027 heavyweight rotation that includes Daniel Dubois, Fabio Wardley, and Agit Kabayel as Warren seeks to crown an undisputed champion holding all four belts.

In related heavyweight news, Daniel Dubois and Fabio Wardley are scheduled to meet at The O2 Arena this Saturday. Their previous encounter in May lasted 11 rounds before Dubois secured the WBO title via referee stoppage. While no formal rematch clause exists for this weekend's bout, Warren indicated a third fight is likely if Wardley wins the second meeting.