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Key points: - Eddie Hearn says IBF No. 1 contender Frank Sanchez could have given Moses Itauma more trouble than Filip Hrgovic - Sanchez agreed to step aside so Itauma could fight Hrgovic for the vacant IBF title instead - Hearn cites Sanchez’s counterpunching and power as qualities that specifically trouble come-forward fighters - Sanchez is guaranteed a mandatory shot at the Itauma-Hrgovic winner regardless of Saturday’s result Eddie Hearn believes the heavyweight who actually poses the bigger stylistic threat to Moses Itauma isn’t fighting him this Saturday at all, crediting sidelined mandatory challenger Frank Sanchez with tools he thinks could have caused more problems than Filip Hrgovic will. Sanchez, the IBF’s top-ranked contender, agreed to a step-aside deal that cleared the path for Itauma to face Hrgovic for the vacant title instead, in exchange for a guaranteed shot at whichever man wins. Hearn’s comments effectively argue that Itauma may be getting the easier version of his first world title defence already lined up, pointing to Sanchez’s counterpunching ability and power as qualities that could specifically trouble a come-forward fighter like Itauma. The remark adds an interesting wrinkle to a week already dominated by Filip Hrgovic’s escalating psychological campaign against Itauma, questioning his readiness for stardom rather than his boxing ability directly. If Hearn’s read is accurate, Saturday’s winner may find that the more dangerous test was simply postponed rather than avoided, with Sanchez still guaranteed his opportunity once the O2 Arena result is in.