Overview

• The WBO promoted Itauma to its top heavyweight contender after Justis Huni’s removal, a move confirmed by president Gustavo Olivieri.
• Itauma improved his unbeaten record to 12-0 (10 KOs) with a two-round stoppage of Mike Balogun on May 24.
• He is scheduled to appear on the undercard of Oleksandr Usyk vs Daniel Dubois at Wembley Stadium on July 19.
• Promoter Frank Warren has shortlisted former Tyson Fury challenger Otto Wallin and American Jermaine Franklin as potential next opponents.
• Carl Frampton praised Itauma’s speed and fluidity, and his team plans further ring seasoning before pressing for a world title, with Joseph Parker remaining the WBO mandatory challenger.