Carl Froch believes Filip Hrgovic, a man known for his durability, will determine whether Moses Itauma truly belongs at world level.
Up to this point, the heavyweight prodigy has showcased his talent against lesser opposition, including Dillian Whyte and Mariusz Wach, who Tyson Fury will face on July 24.
His most significant victory came in March, though, as the 21-year-old scored a fifth-round finish over Jermaine Franklin who, prior to their encounter, had managed to take Anthony Joshua and Whyte the 12-round distance.
But now, Itauma is approaching a seemingly tougher assignment against Hrgovic, who he will face at London’s O2 Arena on August 29.
Hrgovic’s most notable performance came against Daniel Dubois, the current WBO champion, who he caught with repeated right hands before suffering an eighth-round stoppage defeat in June 2024.
With the fight stopped on cuts, this result was somewhat beyond the Croatian’s control, yet he nevertheless showed signs of vulnerability at world level.
Perhaps this is partly why Froch, while speaking on Froch On Fighting, has predicted that this fight will show whether or not Itauma belongs at the top of the division.
“Hrgovic has only lost to Dubois, and he was landing on Dubois – giving him a good fight.
“That’s a nice little step-up for Moses Itauma, before he realises whether he does or doesn’t belong at world level. I think he does – he’s a great fighter – but this is a good little fight.”
While Itauma has agreed to face Hrgovic in August, there is also a possibility that he abandons this plan and negotiates an IBF title fight with Frank Sanchez.
The two leading contenders have, after all, been ordered to collide for Oleksandr Usyk’s vacant belt, with the IBF having given both sides until July 29 to reach a deal.
