Promoter Eddie Hearn, a prominent figure in the boxing world, has articulated a compelling argument that IBF No. 1 heavyweight contender Frank Sanchez presents a more formidable stylistic challenge for rising star Moses Itauma than the highly touted Filip Hrgovic. According to a report published by sportsamo.com, Hearn believes Sanchez possesses a unique blend of skills, including his potent counterpunching ability and raw power, that can expose vulnerabilities in Itauma’s career that have remained untested by his carefully curated selection of opponents.
Hearn elaborated on this perspective during a recent interview with DAZN Boxing, stating, "I’ll tell you a fight that’s actually more difficult for Moses that he’ll have to fight: Frank Sanchez. Now, he’s old, but his style, his reflexes, although he’s old, are still [there]. The way it’s going to work is the Hrgovic fight comes for the IBF title. Sanchez steps aside but has to fight the winner." This statement highlights a strategic layer to the heavyweight division’s landscape, suggesting a potential pathway where Sanchez, despite his current ranking, could emerge as Itauma’s ultimate test.
Frank Sanchez, a Cuban powerhouse with a professional record of 26 wins, including 19 knockouts, has consistently demonstrated his fight-ending capability. His most recent outing on May 23rd, at the historic Pyramids of Giza, was a prime example. Sanchez delivered a stunning second-round knockout of the 2020 Olympic silver medalist Richard Torrez Jr. The fight was effectively over before it truly began, as Sanchez expertly timed Torrez’s forward momentum, unleashing a devastating blow that rendered his opponent unconscious. This explosive performance underscored why Sanchez is considered a dangerous proposition for any heavyweight, particularly for a fighter like Itauma who has yet to face such a well-rounded offensive threat.
Sanchez’s ability to incapacitate an opponent with a single, well-placed shot is precisely what makes him a different kind of challenge compared to the opponents Itauma has typically faced. These have often been veteran heavyweights who, while perhaps possessing name recognition, have lacked the foot speed, defensive acumen, and resilience to truly trouble the young Brit. Sanchez, on the other hand, is not an opponent who will simply stand in the pocket, absorb punishment, and await his fate. His dynamic movement, astute counterpunching, and proven durability suggest he can remain a potent threat throughout the fight, potentially pushing Itauma into deeper waters than he has ever experienced.
Echoing Hearn’s sentiments, former world champion Tony Bellew commented on Sanchez’s attributes, noting, "He’s very clever, and he’s old." While the reference to Sanchez being "old" might raise eyebrows, as he is officially listed at 34 years old, the same age as Filip Hrgovic, it likely speaks more to a perception of experience and a seasoned approach rather than a decline in physical prowess. The repeated emphasis on his age by Hearn and Bellew could also be interpreted as a subtle acknowledgment of his formidable capabilities; a fighter considered "old" but still possessing elite skills is often a dangerous opponent.
Hearn further dissects the stylistic differences between Sanchez and Hrgovic, suggesting that Hrgovic’s more upright and conventional fighting style might actually play into Itauma’s strengths. Hrgovic, a physically imposing Croatian, is often easier to track and more inclined to engage in exchanges at close quarters, a scenario that could favor Itauma’s power punching. In contrast, Sanchez’s boxing IQ and diverse offensive arsenal present a more complex puzzle. He is adept at controlling distance, employing lateral movement, and strategically waiting for opponents to overcommit before launching his own devastating counters. This cerebral approach to fighting requires a different level of adaptation and defensive awareness from an opponent.
For years, Queensberry Promotions has meticulously built Moses Itauma’s profile, often by pitting him against aging heavyweights whose styles were designed to showcase his power and aggression. These opponents, while often game, have frequently lacked the agility and defensive reflexes to effectively evade Itauma’s potent combinations. While Filip Hrgovic represents a significant step up in competition from those previous adversaries, his inherent willingness to trade blows and his less evasive stance could still make him a more accessible target for Itauma’s strengths. Sanchez, however, operates on a different plane, forcing opponents to think and adapt rather than simply react.
A potential upset victory for Frank Sanchez against Itauma would likely hinge on his ability to weather the initial storm, particularly in the opening rounds. By employing lateral movement and forcing Itauma to constantly reset his offense, Sanchez could neutralize the younger fighter’s aggression. Instead of attempting to match brute force, Sanchez’s strategy would likely involve drawing out Itauma’s attacks, slipping punches, and then capitalizing on the openings with sharp, precise counterpunches. Each missed aggressive surge by Itauma would not only expend valuable energy but also create opportunities for Sanchez to land his own impactful shots, potentially diminishing the aura of invincibility that his promoters have carefully cultivated.
Moses Itauma has, thus far, not been forced to confront the sustained pressure and strategic complexity that a fighter of Sanchez’s caliber can impose. He has not faced an opponent who possesses both elite power and the tactical intelligence to exploit openings created by defensive lapses. The ability to defend against well-timed counters, manage the ebb and flow of a championship-level bout, and adapt to a shifting strategic landscape are all areas where Itauma’s experience is comparatively thin. If impatience or a desire for a quick, spectacular finish sets in, Sanchez possesses the timing and single-punch knockout power to make him pay dearly. While Itauma may possess the raw talent, his ring performances have yet to definitively prove he has the complete arsenal to overcome such a sophisticated challenge.
The current IBF sanctioning structure imposes significant constraints on Queensberry Promotions’ matchmaking strategy moving forward. Under the IBF’s mandatory challenger rules, the winner of the Hrgovic-Itauma bout would be required to face Frank Sanchez within a six-month period, barring any extraordinary circumstances or organizational exceptions. This means that if Itauma emerges victorious on Saturday night, his team will be faced with a stark choice: either engage in a technically demanding and stylistically challenging bout against Sanchez, seek further delays that could risk forfeiting the prestigious title, or relinquish the belt altogether. The carefully constructed narrative of Itauma’s ascent may be about to collide with the harsh realities of elite heavyweight boxing.
The persistent labeling of Frank Sanchez as "old" warrants closer scrutiny. Both Sanchez and Filip Hrgovic are officially 34 years old. Yet, Hrgovic is being positioned as Itauma’s first true test, while Sanchez is relegated to the status of a veteran on the decline. This discrepancy suggests that the perceived threat is not solely rooted in age, but rather in the stylistic matchup. Frank Sanchez, with his dynamic approach and counterpunching prowess, simply presents a more complex and dangerous proposition for a fighter like Itauma, whose career has been built against opponents with more predictable styles. The real difference lies not in their age, but in the strategic questions they pose in the ring.
