Moses Itauma: Rising star is set to return to action on July 25 at London's O2 arena after Jermaine Franklin win
After blasting through Jermaine Franklin in just five rounds, Moses Itauma has a date set for his return to action; He will box at London's O2 arena on July 25 with the opponent yet to be confirmed; The WBO are due to make Itauma the mandatory challenger for their heavyweight championship
Wednesday 22 April 2026 15:12, UK
Moses Itauma will return to the ring on July 25. The rising heavyweight star is set to fight at the O2 arena in London with his opponent yet to be confirmed.
It will be the 21-year-old's first bout since he blasted his way into world championship contention with a stunning demolition of American gatekeeper Jermaine Franklin.
That victory saw the WBO announce that Itauma would become the mandatory challenger for their heavyweight world title.
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WBO heavyweight champion Fabio Wardley defends that title against Daniel Dubois on May 9.
While Itauma won't fight the winner in his next bout, if he passes his upcoming test on July 25 he will be in the frame for a world title challenge.
Wardley and Itauma are gym-mates and so a title clash with Dubois appeals more to Itauma.
Itauma previously told Sky Sports: "If Fabio wins then it'll be sticky but if Dubois wins, then that fight makes sense.
"So we'll see."
Both Wardley and Dubois were ringside observers for Itauma's devastating victory over Franklin.
"I don't think they're worried. I think they're both like 'Oh [wow]. This guy's in my division,'" Itauma said.
"I think deep inside they probably both had the same reaction. I think Fabio managed to, I guess, hide it a bit better."
