British heavyweight world champion with a 2026 WBO reign
Joshua has come from an early knockdown to stop Kristian Prenga in the second round in Jeddah, preserving a potential all-British blockbuster with Tyson Fury. Fury had earlier stopped Mariusz Wach in seven rounds in Thailand. Contracts are reportedly signed, with venue and date still unsettled.
British heavyweight Moses Itauma will headline London’s O2 Arena on Aug. 29 for the vacant IBF heavyweight title, facing Filip Hrgovic. The title win would crown Itauma as the youngest world heavyweight champion since Mike Tyson. The bout is part of a broader heavyweight landscape shaped by Usyk’s vacating of belts and ongoing negotiations for future super-fights.
Moses Itauma has upgraded to a world heavyweight title bout against Filip Hrgovic in London on August 29, with the vacant IBF belt on the line. At 21, Itauma could become the second-youngest heavyweight champion if he wins, following Mike Tyson. Promoter Frank Warren says the public has warmed to Itauma, who has 14-0 with 12 KOs.
Moses Itauma is challenging Filip Hrgović for the vacant IBF heavyweight title at London’s O2 Arena. He is aiming to become the second-youngest heavyweight champion of all time, behind Mike Tyson, while facing a veteran opponent in Hrgović. Promoter Frank Warren backs him to win as Itauma defends his unbeaten record.
Itauma is challenging Filip Hrgovic for the IBF heavyweight title. The 21-year-old Briton aims to become the second-youngest heavyweight champion, with Hrgovic firing back and promising to “smash the kid” as a tense buildup culminates in showdown at the O2 Arena.
Filip Hrgovic defeats Moses Itauma in the ninth round to seize the vacant IBF heavyweight title. Itauma, 21, sees his reign as rising star end after a dramatic, grueling bout at the O2 Arena. Hrgovic becomes Croatia’s first heavyweight champion as Itauma leaves with injuries and questions about conditioning.
Two-time heavyweight challenger Daniel Dubois will rematch with British rival Fabio Wardley at the O2 Arena on Oct. 17 after Wardley triggers a return clause following their May 2026 bout. Dubois vows to come back stronger and aims to unify, while Wardley says he has zero excuses and will adapt in camp to reclaim his world title.
Fury and Joshua remain at odds over venue and date as negotiations continue. UK commitments clash with a US-ready plan, with promoters hinting at New York despite Joshua’s push for Wembley.
Negotiations for a landmark all-British heavyweight fight have stalled over venue and contract terms. Fury is pressuring Joshua to confirm a November showdown, with Usyk floated as a potential backup. The parties have signed separate UK deals, but location remains unsettled as promoters weigh Wembley versus Madison Square Garden.
Fury and Joshua have agreed to meet at Cardiff’s Principality Stadium on 11 December, with Netflix streaming globally. After years of delays and negotiator standoffs, Britain hosts one of boxing’s biggest events as both fighters push to settle a decade-long rivalry.