Moses Itauma could face British rival David Adeleye or ‘forgotten’ contender Michael Hunter in his latest bow.
Itauma has pencilled in his return date for December 13 in Manchester, as he looks to take the next step in his bright career after dispatching Dillian Whyte inside one round in August.
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Itauma has two new options being explored – having faced multiple rejectionsCredit: Getty
The 20-year-old prodigy has been taken the distance just twice in his career, and is hugely feared by many in the division given his rapid ascent.
As a result, several contenders have rejected a fight with Itauma, including Jermaine Franklin and Filip Hrgovic.
It emerged on Monday that Itauma himself rejected an IBF eliminator showdown with Frank Sanchez.
And as a result, the Briton is now considering a new raft of options with time ticking before his latest bow.
And The Ring’s Mike Coppinger has revealed that there are now two main options in Hunter and Adeleye on Itauma’s radar.
He revealed that efforts had been made with several opponents such as Zhilei Zhang and the aforementioned Hrgovic.
But talks over new opponents are now underway with organisers scrambling to get the bout arranged as soon as possible.
It is expected Itauma will compete in a separate bout to Derek Chisora who will also make his 50th and expected final bow on the card.
But should no options be available, the pair could yet turn to each other in order to create a blockbuster bout before Christmas.
Michael Hunter and David Adeleye – why are they being considered for Itauma?
Adeleye could be a good test for Itauma given he has been campaigning just beyond British level in recent months.
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Adeleye is a stablemate of Itauma – and a fight would be intriguing albeit a tough ask for ‘Big D’Credit: Getty
The Briton was beaten by Hrgovic in his last outing, and has yet to push his name into the mix in the top ten of the division.
He would be a huge underdog against the inevitable and dominant Itauma, but carries power and would in no way be fearful of trading with the rising star.
As for Hunter, the dangerous American had so much promise but has hit a wall in a frustrating boxing career.
The self-proclaimed ‘avoided’ star hasn’t fought professionally since stopping Christian Garcia last December.
Hunter was scheduled to face Jarrell Miller on the undercard of Canelo Alvarez vs Terence Crawford, but the bout collapsed.
This was due to promoter Don King threatening legal action over his plan to match Hunter with WBA regular champion Kubrat Pulev.
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Hunter has claimed he is being avoided – but a fight with Itauma would be a big chance to get his name back in the spotlightCredit: Ed Mulholland/Matchroom
King suggested the bout was scheduled for October 4, but there has since been radio silence and Hunter is likely considered available to all options.
It means Itauma has the choice of both dangerous contenders, who are both capable of giving the young star the precious rounds of experience he needs.