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Moses Itauma Faces Tough Decision After IBF Orders Manadatory Title Fight With Sanchez
Fast-rising Nigerian-born heavyweight boxer, Moses Itauma is facing a huge dilemma of choice, following a directive by World Boxing Federation (IBF) that he must face Frank Sanchez of Cuba in a title fight before the end of this year.
Sports247 reports that Itauma already has a bout lined up in August, which leaves him with a tough decision to take, after IBF ordered him into an agreement with Sanchez as soon as July 29th.
It’s now left to be seen if the 21-year-old Nigerian-born Britiish boxing prodigy will drop his date in August in order to concentrate on the IBF title fight, or he could try to muscle both bouts together in a huge gamble.
The dilemma facing Itauma arises after highly dominant Ukrainian, but now erstwhile three-belt holder, Oleksandr Usyk relinquished his IBF strap, along with his World Boxing Association (WBA) and World Boxing Council (WBC) titles in one swoop.
While WBC upgraded their interim champion, Agit Kabayel to take up the main belt, following Usyk’s decision, IBF have moved to arrange a bout for the vacant title, with specificc attention on Itauma, who in March got a fifth-round win over USA’s Jermaine Franklin.
Itauma is among the top three contenders on all three cards, but IBF have made the first move in trying to muscle Britain’s Best Boxer of The Year 2026 into an epic title shot within the shortest time possibile.
This is despite the fact that Itauma is already scheduled to fight Filip Hrgovic of Croatia at London’s O2 Arena on August 29th, in what he has referred to as his ‘toughest fight,’ but he may now decide to pull out or face Sanchez afterwards.
A report by Yahoo Sports adds, “Itauma has been ordered by the IBF to hold talks with Cuba’s Frank Sanchez about fighting for the vacant heavyweight title.
“The IBF said that, ‘in accordance with championship rules,’ it now wants Sanchez, who is number one in their heavyweight rankings, to fight number three contender Itauma. They have until 29 July to reach an agreement.”
Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, has said the All Progressives Congress, APC, does not need to buy votes to win the 2027 general elections.
The governor insisted that the party has enough grassroots support to secure victory.
Oborevwori made the statement on Wednesday during the APC local government-by-local government campaign rally in Akwukwu-Igbo, headquarters of Oshimili North Local Government Area.
He said vote-buying was unnecessary for a party that enjoyed the support of the people.
"The APC has no reason to buy votes because the people are already with us. Vote-buying is only necessary for those who lack grassroots support," the governor said.
He recalled that Oshimili North recorded the highest number of votes in Delta State during the last election.
He expressed confidence that the APC would maintain or surpass the record in 2027.
"We expect our supporters to come out in large numbers and vote for the APC. We will also continue to deliver more development projects across the state," the governor said.
We don’t need to buy votes to win 2027 – Oborevwori tells opposition
Nigeria’s U-17 women’s national football team, the Flamingos, have received a presidential reception at the State House in Abuja following their historic triumph at the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco.
Sporty247 reports that the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, on Wednesday welcomed the victorious players and their technical crew at the Presidential Villa on behalf of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, celebrating the team for bringing honour and pride to Nigeria.
The reception witnessed the presentation of flowers to the players as the country continued to celebrate their remarkable achievement, which saw Nigeria become the first African nation to win the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup.
The Flamingos secured the historic title after defeating Japan 2-1 in the final in Rabat, Morocco, with Awawu Bashiru and Oluebube Umejiaku scoring the decisive goals to seal Nigeria’s maiden championship in the competition.
The team’s triumph has also attracted financial recognition, with the Nigerian Senate pledging ₦100 million to the players in appreciation of their historic achievement.
The Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, described the victory as a significant milestone for Nigeria and African football, while calling for adequate rewards for the young champions and sustained investment in their development.
Sporty247 gathered that the reception at Aso Rock represents another significant moment in the celebration of the Flamingos’ achievement, with the young footballers continuing to receive recognition for their historic contribution to Nigerian sports.
The victory has further reinforced Nigeria’s reputation in women’s football, while inspiring young girls across the country to pursue their dreams and aspire to international success.
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