Oleksandr Usyk beats Rico Verhoeven: What next for heavyweight division?

Moses Itauma continues to gather momentum as the most exciting British heavyweight prospect in years.

The 21-year-old produced an impressive fifth-round stoppage win over Jermaine Franklin in March, becoming the first fighter to stop the American in 27 professional bouts.

A title shot for Itauma is edging closer, although Usyk has previously ruled out facing him.

Itauma is expected to return on 8 August at London’s O2 Arena against a significantly ranked opponent, with Croatia’s Filip Hrgovic currently viewed as the leading option.

Hrgovic brings strong pedigree, having won Olympic bronze in 2016. Most recently, he stopped Dave Allen in dominant fashion this month.

It would represent another significant step up for Itauma before a potential move towards the winner of Dubois-Wardley in 2027, although any meeting with Wardley would be complicated by the fact that both he and Itauma are trained by Ben Davison.

Elsewhere, veteran American Deontay Wilder is yet to announce his next move since beating Britain’s Derek Chisora, who is reportedly considering a U-turn on retirement, while British champion Richard Riakporhe remains active in the domestic picture.