Itauma may have set the perfect trap for Hrgovic with one push

Intense staredowns can lead to argy-bargy, verbal exchanges can get extra spicy and promoters or security often have to step in to separate combatants.

While we only heard part of what was said, which included a few choice expletives, Moses Itauma had clearly seen and heard enough ahead of his big opportunity against Filip Hrgovic.

With the vacant IBF world heavyweight title on the line at London’s O2 Arena on Saturday evening, the stakes could not be higher for the undefeated Brit and his Croatian foe.

They engaged in an intense face-to-face after stepping off the scales, with plenty of words exchanged. But it was while they posed for the cameras that Moses took exception to Hrgovic flexing his muscles right in front of him.

A shove from behind saw the former Olympic bronze medallist stumble off the stage, land on his feet and quickly hop back up to land a slap firmly on Moses’ jaw.

All hell broke out at that point, with members of their entourages and security racing in, leaving Hrgovic’s trainer Abel Sanchez to put himself in front of Moses to ensure the Kent heavy hitter couldn’t throw hands in retaliation.

Normally cool, calm and collected, Moses had erupted — and so had Hrgovic.

At 21 and with great expectations on his shoulders, it was perhaps inevitable that Hrgovic’s repeated verbal jabs would eventually get under his skin.

Moses could, however, simply have wanted to put down a marker to make it crystal clear that this is his moment to shine.

"I just lost it a little bit,” he said after the melee. “But we're here now, we're here.

“Let's go! I had a little itch and I just had to scratch it."

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'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

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Of course, there was a danger that his shove could have put the main event in jeopardy had Hrgovic landed badly.

But it appeared to be a calculated move from a young man who is one win away from becoming the second-youngest world heavyweight champion in the history of the sweet science, behind only the legendary Mike Tyson.

Hrgovic, 34, was fuming. Some would say rattled. His words suggested otherwise.

“I just tell him what's going to happen, I'll smash him,” he explained. “He pushed me first so I just give him back. He started it. [The fight is] going to be tough."

Queensberry

Should that coolness be hiding a burning desire to tear into his opponent, Moses may have successfully waited until almost the last moment to get inside Hrgovic's head.

If he has indeed set a trap to lure the more experienced man into coming out swinging, we may be in for a shorter fight than many have predicted.

As Dave Allen said earlier in the week, Moses will look to feint, make Hrgovic miss and then attempt to inflict maximum damage.

Regardless of how the bout plays out, make sure you strap yourself in for what is set to be a wild ride while it lasts.

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.

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