Frank Warren Shares Moses Ituama Disappointment
By Eddie Sanchez
Promoter Frank Warren has confirmed that rising heavyweight Moses Itauma will no longer compete on December 13, as the search for a new opponent continues.
The 20-year-old unbeaten prospect earned the most significant win of his career in August, dispatching Dillian Whyte in the opening round. At the time, Warren indicated that Itauma would return to the ring on December 13 as part of the same card expected to feature Derek Chisora’s farewell fight at Manchester’s Co-op Live arena.
However, the two heavyweights’ paths have since diverged.
Speaking after Fabio Wardley’s stoppage victory over Joseph Parker on Saturday, Warren revealed that Chisora, 41, is now on track to face Whyte for a third time on that December date.
“Yeah, yeah,” said the Queensberry promoter. “We’ve got a few details to iron out, but we’ll get it sorted.”
Itauma’s situation appears less clear-cut. Warren suggested that the young heavyweight may not return until early 2026, potentially for a bout against WBA Regular champion Kubrat Pulev.
The WBA recently ordered Pulev, 44, to defend his title against Itauma, who sits as the No. 1 contender. However, Pulev has been granted a voluntary defence first, expected to come against Murat Gassiev on December 12.
“We’ll have to see how the Pulev situation unfolds,” Warren explained. “The WBA mandated that fight, so Pulev can’t just walk away from it. From what I understand, they’re looking to stage the Gassiev fight in Dubai, but I’ve not seen official sanctioning from the WBA yet, so we’re in a bit of a holding pattern.”
Asked if Itauma would still appear on the Manchester card, Warren ruled it out. “No, because if we put him on another fight now, they’ll claim he’s not ready for Pulev, and they’re pushing for the Gassiev bout. We don’t want to complicate that.”
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