Does aging Hrgovic truly represent new blood amid Itauma ascent?

The Croatian, a decorated veteran with a Rio 2016 medal, has long been seen as one of the glamour division's top operators.

Few other fights find themselves so favourably ranked with all four governing bodies like him, a testament to a top-tier record.

Against Moses Itauma, Hrgovic arrives as the heavy outsider, priced distantly by bookmakers and dismissed by plenty of fans.

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If he wins the IBF strap, many will consider it a major upset. But would success be that much of a shock - and a change too?

Ahead of this weekend's blockbuster encounter, DAZN News explores what victory would mean for Hrgovic and the division.

Is Hrgovic being written off?

Arguably, yes. Plenty have framed this weekend's bout as a something of a procession for Moses - but that is not the case.

Hrgovic is a 21-fight veteran in his professional career, with one defeat by official intervention and a lone knockdown to boot.

He has secured his own fair share of showreel stoppages, frequently combining low hooks with sharp jabs to get the job done.

All that points to a fighter that clearly has the pedigree to become champion - against a foe whose resume may be no better.

Whether he can execute on the night remains to be seen, but either way, it seems unlikely that Hrgovic will not leave wondering.

Is Hrgovic truly new champion blood?

When Hrgovic lost two years ago against Daniel Dubois, Moses was just a year and a half into his own journey as a professional.

Already, the Croatian was facing a Briton several years younger than him then - and the age gap will be thrown into relief here too.

Queensberry

If Hrgovic is to prevail on Saturday and take the IBF crown, he will become the oldest active heavyweight champion in the division.

Thirty-four back in June, he would be older than WBO champion Dubois, WBA star Murat Gassiev and WBC kingpin Agit Kabayel.

It would be a new name in the history books, of course. But as a former interim contender, is it truly part of a wider division shift?

Is Hrgovic in last-chance saloon?

This is a matter touched on before - the notion that, with those extra years, Hrgovic could be running out of road around the division.

The answer there is no - at least not yet. Moses, in a sense, has skewed expectations with his hyper-youthful rise through the ranks.

There are still pathways to the summit should Hrgovic come up short here too, thanks to his superb seeding with the major bodies.

Throw in the fact several of the division's biggest names remain its old warhorses, and he will have plenty of hope for another chance.

Of course, Hrgovic doesn't want another chance. He wants this one - and if he plays his cards right on Saturday, he may take it well.

Moses vs. Hrgovic - exclusively on DAZN PPV

Watch Moses Itauma take the next step in his unstoppable career against Filip Hrgovic on Saturday, August 29, only on DAZN.

Buy as a one-off PPV or included along with Romero vs. Lopez (Aug 22) and Canelo vs. Mbilli (Oct) PPVs with a DAZN Ultimate Tier subscription.

For more information, pricing and to buy, click here .