Promoter Frank Warren is already plotting the next moves for heavyweight contenders Moses Itauma and Filip Hrgovic, with both fighters expected to make their highly anticipated returns to the ring early next year. Following an explosive and dramatic championship collision earlier this summer, the Hall of Fame promoter is confident in delivering meaningful and lucrative opportunities for both men as they navigate the next chapters of their respective careers.
The two heavyweights previously collided in a dramatic showdown last August that captured the attention of the global boxing community. During the early stages of that high-stakes encounter, the young and explosive Itauma appeared to be well on his way to securing a career-defining victory. Building a sizable lead on the judges’ scorecards, the 21-year-old managed to drop his opponent with a sharp blow in the second round, consistently exploiting his superior speed and athleticism to outmaneuver the more experienced fighter.
However, the momentum of the bout shifted dramatically in the championship rounds. In his pursuit of a spectacular grandstand finish to seal the contest, Itauma expended a tremendous amount of energy. The aggressive pace ultimately took a severe physical toll, leading the young contender to be reduced to utter exhaustion. Capitalizing on his opponent’s fatigue, Hrgovic seized the moment and turned the tide, leading to a dramatic ninth-round stoppage defeat for Itauma.
The ramifications of that dramatic night in August were profound for both corners. By securing the stoppage victory, Filip Hrgovic achieved a historic milestone, becoming his country’s very first heavyweight champion by claiming the vacant IBF title. For Itauma, the loss marked a heartbreaking end to his bid to make boxing history, falling short in his attempt to become the division’s youngest major title-holder since the legendary Mike Tyson achieved the feat decades prior. Despite the setback, boxing experts and insiders have widely praised the courage and skill both men displayed during the grueling encounter.
Reflecting on the aftermath and the path forward, Frank Warren has reassured media members and fans alike that Itauma will make his triumphant return to the ring early next year. Rather than rushing immediately back into deep waters, the plan is for the young heavyweight to face a familiar, recognizable opponent to rebuild his confidence and momentum before embarking on another serious world title charge.
Discussing the timeline and strategy for Itauma’s comeback, Warren recently outlined the promotional outlook for the promising prospect. "It will be January, if not before. But January is looking like the date," Warren stated. "We’re looking at a couple of potential opponents at the moment, and I’m quite confident that everybody will be happy with what we’re going to do. I would like him to be in with a recognizable name, to start with. I want to get the start of the new year done for him, so he can focus on doing what he wants to do, which is to win a world title."
While Itauma works his way back through the rankings, the newly crowned IBF champion Filip Hrgovic faces his own set of significant challenges and opportunities. The Queensberry Promotions boss is currently working diligently behind the scenes to stage a massive homecoming event in Croatia for the newly crowned champion. As a world titlist, Hrgovic is required to fulfill his organizational obligations, which include a mandatory title defense against dangerous challenger Frank Sanchez. Warren and his team are determined to bring that major matchup directly to the champion’s home fans.
"We’re working hard to do that in Croatia and give him his dream. He deserves it. I’m sure the whole nation would turn out for their hero," Warren explained regarding the ambitious homecoming plans. "We’re in the middle of speaking with the Croatian government at the moment. I’m quietly confident it will happen. We like to get things done and then announce them."
Bringing a world title fight of this magnitude to Croatia would mark a significant milestone for the nation’s sporting landscape. Remarkably, Hrgovic has not fought on home soil in several years, having last appeared before his local fans back in 2018. On that occasion, he delivered a disciplined performance, earning a unanimous decision victory over the ultra-durable veteran Kevin Johnson over eight hard-fought rounds.
Earlier that same banner year in 2018, Hrgovic electrified his local supporters by scoring a devastating third-round finish over Amir Mansour at Arena Zagreb. That prominent venue, which boasts a seating capacity of around 15,000 spectators, stands as a prime candidate to host the 34-year-old heavyweight’s next high-stakes outing against Sanchez. Alternatively, the Croatian capital—which serves as Hrgovic’s hometown—also features the sprawling Maksimir football stadium, a venue that offers a superior capacity of approximately 25,000 seats, accommodating a much larger audience for a championship spectacle.
Whether the promotional team ultimately selects Arena Zagreb or the Maksimir football stadium, a potential Hrgovic versus Sanchez showdown would almost certainly stand out as the largest and most significant boxing event that Croatia has ever hosted in its modern sporting history. The country has steadily cultivated a passionate combat sports fanbase, though major world championship bouts on home soil remain a rare and cherished occurrence. To put the magnitude of the proposed event into perspective, the last high-profile world title fight to take place in Croatia occurred in April 2024, when prominent fighter Ivana Habazin successfully defended her WBC strap against challenger Kinga Magyar.
As negotiations progress between Frank Warren’s promotional team, local governmental authorities, and potential broadcast partners, the heavyweight division prepares for another thrilling chapter. With Itauma eager to erase the memories of his lone career defeat in January and Hrgovic poised to defend his newly acquired crown in front of a passionate national audience, the early months of the upcoming year promise to deliver high drama and compelling storylines for boxing enthusiasts around the world.
