Boxing
Heavyweight star once tipped for greatness delivers his verdict on Itauma vs Hrgovic
Moses vs Hrgovic: Watch on DAZN PPV - TOMORROW
David Price may see a little bit of himself in Moses Itauma and Filip Hrgovic as the heavyweight pair get ready for battle this Saturday night at London’s O2 Arena, the scene of several Price classics.
Once upon a time, Price was the next big heavyweight threat, the man to replace the Klitschko brothers at the top of the division, and that’s where Moses finds himself heading into his maiden world title crack against the durable Croatian. An upcoming phenomenon insistent on replacing huge personalities.
Like Price, Hrgovic was an outstanding amateur who honed his craft around the world as well as performing admirably at some of the most prestigious tournaments on offer including the Olympics and World Championships.
Despite an impressive start to his career, Price’s ceiling, once with no limit, was lowered following a series of defeats, but the Liverpool man was still able to play his part in a thriving heavyweight scene even though the glory predicted for him just stayed out of reach.
'This is the biggest fight of my life'
Hrgovic prepares to 'destroy' Moses in world title fight
BUY NOW: Watch Itauma vs. Hrgovic exclusively on DAZN PPV & Ultimate Tier
With his last fight coming in 2019, Price has now been retired for seven years, but the experienced campaigner still holds a firm interest in the division he once featured in, and he is looking forward to this weekend’s clash.
I first seen him on Instragram
With Moses still a schoolboy when Price bowed out of boxing, their paths didn't cross through sparring, but Price can still recall the first time he took a look at the man many are forecasting to be the next face of boxing.
“I first seen him on Instagram. It just came up as one of those suggested things,” said Price when speaking to DAZN News via BetSelect.
“It’s when he was boxing in the European juniors or some amateur tournament and I thought to myself, ‘he looks good this kid.”
“When you hear of kids winning a gold medal and stopping everyone at super heavyweight, you take notice because that is unheard of. I went to the European juniors at 18 and got chinned by an Azerbaijani fella so when you see this you know it’s serious talent.
Since turning professional after a short spell in the amateur code, Itauma has been flawless heading into the biggest assignment of his career.
Significant first round wins against Demsey McKean and Dillian Whyte, both solid operators, have created a major buzz regarding Moses, and victory on Saturday could see that hype reach another level.
I do hope there's a little drama
Price believes Hrgovic is the man to provide the youngster with the test that has long been required, but he still believes that Moses will be the victor when all is said and done.
“He’ll get hit more times on Saturday in my opinion than he has in all his previous fights put together. Which is what he needs and so he should because it’s a world title fight.
“I think early doors it’ll be a little bit cagey and Hrgovic won't go anywhere soon because he’s a solid operator and a serial winner himself.
“I think Moses will get it done in the second half of the fight, but I do hope there’s a little drama in it. I’m hoping he has to come through some sort of test and comes through it with flying colours as that will add to his belief.”
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.
