The pair squared off in August, with Itauma attempting to become the youngest world heavyweight champion since Mike Tyson dethroned Trevor Berbick in 1986. After scoring an early knockdown and dominating the first eight rounds, however, the previously unbeaten prodigy was stopped on his feet and Hrgovic, instead, became the IBF champion. As a result, the Croatian is expected to return to his home city of Zagreb and make a mandatory title defence against Frank Sanchez.
Itauma, meanwhile, could end up fighting in the same month of January, most likely against an opponent who is designed to rebuild his confidence. While conventional wisdom following a first career defeat often points toward a gentle return against carefully selected opposition, heavyweight veteran Derek Chisora has a different perspective on how the southpaw should manage the next phase of his career.
Chisora is keen for the young puncher to jump back into another significant 12-rounder, albeit while admitting that someone like Martin Bakole would be too great of a risk at this immediate juncture. Instead, the heavyweight veteran has told media members, including Fight Hub TV, that British operators Frazer Clarke and Richard Riakporhe would make for suitable opponents to test and elevate him upon his return to the ring.
"I wouldn’t put him in with Bakole yet. I think Frazer Clarke [could be an option]. [Or] he should fight Richard Riakporhe. That’s a good fight," Chisora stated during his media availability.
Riakporhe, who has built a formidable reputation with 16 knockouts from 20 wins, became the British heavyweight champion by dethroning Jeamie TKV with a fifth-round finish in April. On the very same card, fellow contender Frazer Clarke suffered a hard-fought majority decision defeat to Justis Huni, leaving both domestic operators with interesting paths to navigate in the bustling British heavyweight scene.
As for Bakole, the Congolese giant has remained inactive since his controversial draw with Efe Ajagba in May 2025, maintaining his status as one of the most avoided and dangerous contenders in the division—a reality that underpins Chisora’s caution regarding a potential matchup between Bakole and the recovering Itauma.
The upcoming January return represents a crucial crossroads for Itauma as he attempts to bounce back from the first major setback of his professional boxing career. Having tasted the championship tier of the division at such a tender age, the lessons learned from his grueling encounter with Hrgovic will undoubtedly shape his approach to future camps and tactical execution. Whether promoter Frank Warren and the management team choose to follow Chisora’s advice by matching the young talent against established domestic names like Clarke or Riakporhe, or instead opt for a more traditional developmental route to rebuild his momentum, the heavyweight division will be watching closely when the bell rings for Itauma’s return in the new year.
