Chris Mannix believes Moses Itauma should challenge Frank Sanchez for a world title if he defeats Filip Hrgovic on August 29, arguing it might cap an excellent 12 months 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 one other 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 return to fight. It’s going to be one other 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 one more reason the fight is smart, noting that Itauma’s path to a championship can have modified with Fabio Wardley expected to defend his WBA title against Daniel Dubois in a rematch.
“I believe it’s an incredible fight for him and a likelihood 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. In order 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’s an incredible 12 months for Moses Itauma,” said Mannix. “If we’re this objectively, I don’t give Sanchez much of a shot against Moses Itauma. I believe Sanchez landed an incredible shot against Richard Torrez. All credit to him. But I see Frank Sanchez, and I see a man with no knees.”
The most important hurdle stays Hrgovic. The Croatian contender is widely viewed because the hardest opponent of Itauma’s profession and represents a major jump in competition. A convincing victory would strengthen the case that the 21-year-old is able to compete for a heavyweight world title before the tip of the 12 months.
Is Frank Sanchez the proper fight for Moses Itauma after Filip Hrgovic?! 👀
The complete 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