Frank Warren hints at official Moses Itauma vs Dillian Whyte announcement next week

Frank Warren has confirmed that a major announcement will be made next week with the likelihood of it being official confirmation of the rumoured Moses Itauma vs Dillian Whyte heavyweight showdown.

Former world title contender Whyte pulled out of his scheduled bout on the undercard of Fabio Wardley vs Justis Huni at the weekend, citing his desire to pursue a big opportunity later in the year.

It has since transpired that a clash with unbeaten knockout artist Itauma was what the Londoner was talking about, with the pair expected to get it on in Saudi Arabia this summer.

Speaking to Sky Sports, Queensberry promoter Warren confirmed that major news regarding a fight would be made official next week, although he stopped short of confirming exact details of the bout in question.

"We are going to announce a big fight next week - we have a press conference lined-up and it is a huge fight for Riyadh Season," he said.

"I can't go into the details of it but it is a fabulous card involving a few real top quality British fighters, so I am really looking forward to that.

The Ring Magazine put a post out starting the rumours about the fight, but next week everything will become apparent - I can assure you that everybody will be incredibly excited by what we are doing!

- Frank Warren (Sky Sports)

The supremely talented Itauma has sent shockwaves across the heavyweight division over the past 18 months, winning each of his last eight bouts inside the opening two rounds.

That run includes an emphatic stoppage over American veteran Mike Balogun last month, an victory that saw the youngster retain his WBA International and WBO Inter-Continental heavyweight titles.

World titles are undoubtedly on the horizon for the Queensberry man but Warren says that first and foremost, his charge has to safely navigate his way through what will undoubtedly be his biggest challenge to date as a professional.

"His next fight will be against a recognised competitor - a real tough guy," he said.

"It's an important fight for him and without doubt his toughest fight yet, but he is the one that everybody is talking about, including myself.

"I like everything about him, everything he has done up to yet - he's a very mature 20-year-old and his last fight up in Scotland, I thought he looked sensational.

"The heavyweight division is on fire at the moment and it's probably been the most exciting times of this century for the blue-riband division and Moses is playing, and will continue to play, a huge part in that."

Mark Mothershaw

• Queensberry
• Riyadh Season
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