Croatian heavyweight boxer challenging the big names; latest: headlines around belt contention and sparring remarks about future matchups.
Usyk has vacated the WBA, WBC and IBF heavyweight belts to allow contenders to fight for them, a move that opens the division and sets the stage for new champions. Kabayel has become WBC champion, while Gassiev is poised to inherit the WBA title; IBF actions point toward Frank Sanchez or Moses Itauma as next contenders. The sport faces a reshuffle as Usyk pivots toward a final, high-stakes bout.
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.
Fury has signalled readiness for a November showdown with Joshua after both signed contracts with Saudi-backed promoters. Negotiations over location and terms center on UK versus US hosting, with New York’s Madison Square Garden favored by the Saudis and Netflix. Joshua’s team is seeking contract amendments to accommodate American tax rules and logistics.
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.
Katie Taylor has reached the final fight of her celebrated career, aiming to become a three-time undisputed world champion against Flora Pili at Croke Park. A sell-out crowd of 80,000 is expected as Ireland celebrates a pioneer of women’s boxing.
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.