Boxing
Itauma vs. Hrgovic: Will youth come out on top at The O2?
Moses vs. Hrgovic: Only on DAZN PPV – Saturday
After talking to Moses Itauma and Filip Hrgovic this week, it’s crystal clear both fighters are supremely confident of getting their hands on the vacant IBF world heavyweight title on Saturday night.
In one corner, you have an undefeated 21-year-old Brit tipped as the future of boxing’s blue-riband division.
Opposite him stands a teak-tough Croatian who has been beaten just once in the pro ranks — when his fight with Daniel Dubois was halted in the eighth round due to cuts above both eyes.
That loss in 2024 was followed by points victories over Joe Joyce and Daniel Adeleye, before Dave Allen was stopped in his tracks in the third round back in May.
Despite racking up that hat-trick of wins, Hrgovic finds himself in the role of underdog ahead of the showdown at London’s O2 Arena.
Being in that position is unfamiliar territory for the 34-year-old — and it is one he is not overly enamoured with.
While Hrgovic respects his foe’s power and ability, he has labelled Moses a ‘kid’ and claimed opportunities have been presented to him on a plate.
“He's a little b—h,” was the answer when I asked what he thought of his opponent. “That's what I think.”
Of course, verbal blows are routinely traded in the build-up to fights. There will likely be more to come as Saturday approaches but there is an edge to what Hrgovic says when he switches from jovial to serious.
Traditionally, pugilists shake hands after sharing a ring together — and I’m sure it will be no different when all is said and done at the weekend.
There can be no doubt, however, that Hrgovic is desperate to derail the momentum Moses has built when he attempts to become Croatia’s first-ever world heavyweight titleholder.
Despite his experience, a resilient chin and exceptional durability, everything points to Hrgovic facing a monumental task to get his hands on the gold.
With 14 victories punctuated by 12 stoppages, Moses is the juggernaut many believe cannot be halted.
Two-time undisputed heavyweight kingpin Oleksandr Usyk speaks highly of him, while Billy Joe Saunders believes his fellow Brit is the best the division has produced since Muhammad Ali.
It remains to be seen how Moses reacts when his chin is finally put to the test. As we know, boxing has a way of producing shock results, particularly when the big boys start throwing bombs.
But it would take a brave man to bet against him becoming the youngest boxer since Mike Tyson to win a world heavyweight title.
“He's a good fighter. He's got a good chin, respectable power, stamina,” Moses told me. “And obviously his highlight is his heart.
“So I know what I'm up against — but he doesn’t know what he's up against.”
The look on his face as he delivered those words made it easy to picture Moses finishing Saturday night with his hand raised and the IBF’s red belt draped over his shoulder.
Regardless of whether that victory comes by stoppage or decision, the sport’s rising star is determined to make it an evening to remember.
Moses vs. Hrgovic - exclusively on DAZN PPV
Watch Moses Itauma attempt to become the youngest world heavyweight champion since Mike Tyson against Filip Hrgovic on Saturday night, only on DAZN.
Buy as a one-off PPV or included along with Garcia vs. Benn (Sept 12, UK only) and Canelo vs. Mbilli (Oct 31) PPVs with a DAZN Ultimate Tier subscription.
