Itauma eyes early-2027 return as Dubois says he wants to fight him

Moses Itauma's first loss has not ended the talk around him. Within days of it, a world champion is asking for him and his promoter has a return in mind.

Itauma was stopped on his feet in round nine by Filip Hrgovic, who took the vacant IBF title. He had knocked Hrgovic down in round two and largely controlled the early rounds, but he tired badly. He had never gone past six rounds as a professional. Frank Warren says he is set to fight early next year, and according to Boxing News a mid-tier opponent looks more likely than an immediate return to world level.

The loss brought criticism of his trainer, Ben Davison, with some asking why so much energy was spent early. Speaking publicly for the first time since the defeat, Itauma defended Davison and the rest of his team, including Lee Wylie and Barry Smith. "It's only after a loss," he said of the questions. He has since travelled to Las Vegas and been filmed training at the Mayweather Boxing Club.

Dubois, 29, is the one waiting at the top. He retained his WBO title with a second-round finish of Fabio Wardley and told Sky Sports he wants Itauma soon, so the fight happens while both are at their most competitive. He said there was no shame in the result and believes Itauma can rebuild because of the backing around him. Dubois also recalled his own 2020 stoppage loss to Joe Joyce, saying it and other setbacks made him stronger.

Hrgovic has said Itauma may be the best opponent he has faced, though he named Dubois as the harder puncher.

Opinions on the comeback are already arriving. David Haye told Tris Dixon that Itauma needs a former champion with pressure and durability, and named Andy Ruiz Jr, who lost a unanimous decision to Damian Knyba in September.

For now this is talk. The first thing to watch is who Warren picks for the comeback, and whether it points toward a Dubois fight later.