Boxing
Former trainer of Golovkin and Joyce makes huge prediction for Itauma vs. Hrgovic
Moses vs. Hrgovic: Watch on DAZN PPV - Saturday
Abel Sanchez enters this weekend's heavyweight title fight fully confident that his man, Filip Hrgovic, will be crowned the new IBF champion.
The Croatian star, a significant underdog for his battle with Moses Itauma, joined Sanchez last year and the early days of their professional relationship have been successful so far.
Despite Hrgovic’s extensive pedigree, both amateur and pro, he heads into Saturday’s bout without many in the boxing community giving him a chance against the inexperienced 21-year-old.
Hrgovic has shared the ring with Zhilei Zhang, Daniel Dubois, and Joe Joyce, but against Moses, the impression from the sporting world is that Hrgovic is stepping up massively even though he has far more time inside the ring.
Moses has impressed in recent fights scoring massive knockouts over Dillian Whyte and Jermaine Franklin, but Hrgovic represents a big step up and is far more dangerous than Moses’ most recent opponents.
'Hrgovic is more fragile than I thought'
Moses previews the biggest fight of his career
BUY NOW: Watch Itauma vs. Hrgovic exclusively on DAZN PPV & Ultimate Tier
Sanchez knows the British scene well and in 2016 he landed a huge victory when Gennadiy Golovkin travelled to London to overpower Kell Brook in London.
The veteran trainer has seen many prospects come and go during his lengthy stay in the sport, and although he rates Moses, he believes Saturday night will be Hrgovic’s crowing moment.
He's confident
“We wouldn't be here if we weren't confident and of course, he’s going to be the first Croatian world [heavyweight] champion,” said Sanchez when speaking exclusively to DAZN News.
“He’s confident himself. He’s mentally and physically fit. Experience will tell in this fight. We’re banking on the experience of Filip and the fighters he’s fought.
“I’m not gonna say ‘he’ll destroy him,’ but he’s going to handle him well. He’s going to win the fight and whether that’s in 12 or less, who knows?
“This is his first training camp where there’s no outside issues. There’s no contractual discussions from promoters. He’s had great sparring and everything has gone well for him. Maybe it’s a sign.”
“Whatever it takes, Filip gets his hand raised after the fight.”
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.
