Moses Itauma has turned down an IBF final eliminator bout with Frank Sanchez that would have made him a mandatory challenger for Oleksandr Usyk.

Itauma was offered the opportunity after Efe Ajagba passed on the Sanchez fight due to discontent with the purse bid result.

As a result, the IBF moved down its rankings to call upon the next highest-ranked fighter, Itauma.

A statement released by the IBF last week read: "We are waiting to hear back on availability for Moses Itauma .

"If he confirms he is available, then he and Frank Sanchez would be ordered to negotiate.

"They would have 15 days from the order."

However, Itauma, who is also ranked No.1 by the WBA and WBO, has opted to take a different route to a world title.

The IBF has since contacted Olympic silver medallist Richard

See Full Page