Moses Itauma will return to the ring in January in time to launch his bid to become king of the heavyweight division by the end of 2027.

Queensberry Promotions boss Frank Warren has revealed that Itauma will make his comeback against a well-known fighter as he looks to rebuild after suffering the first defeat of his career against Filip Hrgovic in August.

The explosive 21-year-old dominated the first half of the bout only to run out of steam, enabling Hrgovic to force a ninth-round stoppage and claim the vacant IBF world title.

Warren is plotting a series of fights for next year involving the likes of Daniel Dubois, Fabio Wardley, Hrgovic and Agit Kabayel that will determine who is the number one heavyweight – and he wants Itauma to be involved.

“Moses will be back in January, if not before, but January’s looking like the date,” Warren said.

“He wanted a rematch with Filip which couldn’t be done because Filip’s got Frank Sanchez, who had agreed to step aside.

“I would like Moses to be in with a name to start with. I want to get that done so he can focus on doing what he wants to do – win a world title.

“We want to get him out as soon as possible because he wants to get back in the mix and be part of what’s happening next year.

“We’re going to have the most unbelievable roster of heavyweight fights that leads to somebody holding the four belts by the end of next year.

“There are no problems making the matches with any of these guys because they all want to hold the four belts. These fights will happen.”

Dubois and Wardley clash at The O2 Arena on Saturday in a replay of their first encounter in May, a fight of the year contender that lasted 11 bloody rounds.

Wardley was saved by referee Howard Foster as Dubois seized his WBO title, which he is the favourite to defend when they meet again.

There is no rematch clause in the contract but should Wardley produce an upset, Warren is certain there will be a decider.

“Both are in their prime,” Warren said. “ It was a great first fight and doing it again just a few months later is very unusual.

“Everyone is expecting another unbelievable battle between the two of them. And one thing’s for sure, it’s not going the distance.”