“I think me and Dubois will definitely happen at some point, this year, next year or the year after,” Itauma told IFL TV. “Only because it’s two Brits and he doesn’t seem like he’s slowing down and I feel like I’m speeding up.
“I feel like it’s definitely going to happen, but if it is, it will be after I’ve got a belt and he’s got a belt, or we’ve got two each.”
Both heavyweights have spent their entire professional careers under Frank Warren’s Queensberry banner, leading Itauma to believe his promoter already has a long-term roadmap in place.
“I don’t know if Frank’s going to be happy about this, but I think he’s going to try and get me and Dubois to collect all the belts and then unify with each other,” said Itauma. “That’s the plan, and I’m happy to roll with it.”
Before any talk of Dubois can become reality, Itauma (14-0, 12 KOs) faces the biggest test of his career against Filip Hrgovic at London’s O2 Arena on August 29. The bout comes after the IBF ordered #1 contender Frank Sanchez to face the British southpaw for its vacant heavyweight title following Oleksandr Usyk’s decision to relinquish the belt.
Because Itauma had already committed to facing Hrgovic, the title opportunity was delayed, but he expects it to come soon.
“The Frank Sanchez fight is on the table, the Murat Gassiev fight is on the table, the Dubois fight is on the table,” Itauma said. “It’s just a matter of timing.
“I’ve got Hrgovic, and I’m pretty sure Frank Sanchez has got an opponent lined up. We’ve all got fights, but in due time we will fight each other. I’ve got Hrgovic, and then after him you never know.”
Dubois is expected to return later this year in a rematch against Fabio Wardley, while Itauma will first attempt to get past the experienced Hrgovic before pursuing his first heavyweight world title shot.
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