WBC champion advises Itauma on comeback fight

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Moses Itauma’s journey back to securing a world title shot should begin with a battle against Damian Knyba.

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That’s the view of WBC champion Agit Kabayel, who was denied a potential unification fight against Itauma.

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The 21-year-old was shockingly stopped by Filip Hrgovic in the ninth round of their world title clash last month.

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British star Itauma dominated the bout at the O2 Arena and looked to be heading for his 11th consecutive knockout after Hrgovic’s gloves touched the canvas in the second round.

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The judges’ scorecards showed Itauma well ahead after the opening eight rounds, but he was ultimately left requiring oxygen as he was taken from the ring on a stretcher.

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Attention has now turned to who the Kent native could face next as he looks to rebuild his career following the first defeat of his professional career.

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For unbeaten Kabayel, Itauma should fight one of his former opponents — Knyba.

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The Polish heavyweight has won 18 of his 19 professional bouts, with 11 victories coming by way of knockout.

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His only defeat came against Kabayel when the two men fought for the interim WBC title in January.

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Kabayel secured a third-round stoppage before being elevated from interim to full champion after Oleksandr Usyk vacated his WBC, WBA and IBF titles in June.

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Knyba returned to winning ways earlier this month after outpointing former unified champion Andy Ruiz Jr in New Jersey.

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Ruiz Jr., who famously stopped Anthony Joshua in June 2019 before losing the rematch, was left with a black eye following the brutal 12-round battle.

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