Moses Itauma Confirms August 8 Return in London After Date Change

Heavyweight prospect avoids Anthony Joshua clash as WBO No.1 contender stays in line for title shot

Moses Itauma will return on August 8 at the O2 Arena in London after his original July 25 date was moved to avoid a clash with Anthony Joshua’s scheduled fight. With Itauma ranked No.1 by the WBO, his position near a title shot remains unchanged.

Itauma had been set to box on the same night Joshua is expected to face Kristian Prenga, forcing a change. Promoter Frank Warren made it clear the new date is locked in, with the event staying at the O2 Arena and Itauma set to headline.

“He’ll now fight on August 8 at The O2. That will be his next outing,” Warren said on The Ariel Helwani Show.

The shift keeps Itauma active while avoiding a direct clash with a major heavyweight card.

The 21-year-old last fought in March, stopping Jermaine Franklin to record his 14th win and 12th knockout. That bout had originally been scheduled for January before a bicep injury delayed his return, making this his second camp adjustment in the space of a few months.

“We’re working on opponents now. Nothing signed yet, but he’ll be out that night,” Warren added.

Itauma is currently ranked #1 with the WBO, placing him in line for a title shot depending on how the weekend plays out. Fabio Wardley defends the full WBO title against Daniel Dubois, and the winner is expected to come under pressure to face the mandatory challenger.

Warren has also indicated confidence in how quickly Itauma could be moved, even suggesting recently he would back him in a fight with Oleksandr Usyk.

For now, the focus stays on August 8, with Itauma’s return locked in and his position near the front of the title line unchanged.

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