Chris Mannix believes Moses Itauma should challenge Frank Sanchez for a world title if he defeats Filip Hrgovic on August 29, arguing it would cap an outstanding year for the unbeaten British heavyweight. Sergio Mora also endorsed the matchup, calling it an entertaining stylistic fight despite Sanchez’s recent resurgence.
“I like that fight,” said Mora to DAZN Boxing “It’s two familiar names. Sanchez is coming off that knockout against another up-and-comer in Richard Torrez Jr. It was a one-punch knockout. Everybody loves those.
“I like that style match-up. I like that he’s going to come to fight. It’s going to be another fighter that fights from that southpaw stance and squares up. So, I actually love those two names.”
Mannix pointed to the heavyweight title picture as another reason the fight makes sense, noting that Itauma’s path to a championship may have changed with Fabio Wardley expected to defend his WBA title against Daniel Dubois in a rematch.
“I think it’s a great fight for him and a chance to win a world championship, because there’s been some ambiguity,” said Mannix. “He was in line for a world title shot, but his stablemate, Fabio Wardley, held that belt. We presume Wardley and Daniel Dubois are going to run it back. So that avenue is potentially closed.”
Although Mannix praised Sanchez for his stunning one-punch knockout of Richard Torrez Jr. in June, he doesn’t see the Cuban presenting much of an obstacle if Itauma gets past Hrgovic.
“If he beats Hrgovic and goes on and beats Frank Sanchez, that is a great year for Moses Itauma,” said Mannix. “If we’re looking at this objectively, I don’t give Sanchez much of a shot against Moses Itauma. I think Sanchez landed a great shot against Richard Torrez. All credit to him. But I see Frank Sanchez, and I see a guy with no knees.”
The biggest hurdle remains Hrgovic. The Croatian contender is widely viewed as the toughest opponent of Itauma’s career and represents a significant jump in competition. A convincing victory would strengthen the case that the 21-year-old is ready to compete for a heavyweight world title before the end of the year.
Is Frank Sanchez the perfect fight for Moses Itauma after Filip Hrgovic?! 👀
The full episode of #TheFighterAndTheWriter with @SIChrisMannix and @TheLatinSnake_ is LIVE now. Watch on https://t.co/FoiaUucafv 🍿 @DraftKings pic.twitter.com/CbwEvSDLMP
— DAZN Boxing (@DAZNBoxing) July 5, 2026
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Last Updated on 2026/07/06 at 12:16 AM
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