Moses Itauma has already started plotting his future following his victory over Jermaine Franklin.
Itauma extended his unbeaten record to 14-0 with a fifth round knockout win over Franklin at Co-Op Live in Manchester, doing something that Anthony Joshua and Dillian Whyte were unable to do by stopping the American inside the distance.
It was a dominant performance from the Brit, first knocking down Franklin in round three before securing the win two rounds later with a massive uppercut that sent his rival face flat onto the canvas.
Attention has already turned to who Itauma could face next, but the 21-year-old has admitted that his ideal opponent isn’t achievable.
Speaking in his post-fight interview, Itauma revealed that he would have liked to face Filip Hrgovic next, but will now be unable to do so after the Croatian instead agreed to take on British rival Dave Allen.
“If I’m completely honest I wanted the Hrgovic fight but he’s boxing Dave Allen. We’ll go back to the drawing board and see who’s available and we’ll be back out soon.”
Hrgovic has claimed wins over Joe Joyce and David Adeleye in his last two contests, and will look to make it three straight wins over British opponents when he meets Allen at the Keepmoat Stadium in Doncaster on May 16.
While a fight with Hrgovic seemingly won’t be next, Itauma’s promoter Frank Warren insisted it will be a noteworthy bout.
“He’ll be out again probably in July. He’s number one in the WBO and number one in the WBA. There’s a lot of fights happening in the next few months and don’t worry we’ll sort something out. It will be a big fight. He’s a big name and he’s a big fighter.”
A solid option for Itauma’s next bout is instead WBA Regular champion Murat Gassiev, who earned the belt with a win over Kubrat Pulev back in December.