Eddie Hearn names the ‘old’ heavyweight who will test Moses Itauma more than Filip Hrgovic can

Oscar Pick

Eddie Hearn names the ‘old’ heavyweight who will test Moses Itauma more than Filip Hrgovic can
Image credit: Getty

Eddie Hearn believes Moses Itauma’s true introduction to world level will not come against Filip Hrgovic, but rather a savvy veteran who has recently restored his ‘bogeyman’ reputation.

Most would agree, however, that Hrgovic represents the 21-year-old’s toughest opponent thus far, with the Croatian’s only defeat arriving against Daniel Dubois in 2024.

Back then, ‘El Animal’ gave a commendable effort – and had arguably built a slight lead – but was ultimately stopped on cuts in round eight of their encounter.

Many would therefore consider him a top 10 heavyweight, yet Hrgovic has nonetheless been made a sizable underdog against the promising and unbeaten Itauma.

If he defeats the 34-year-old at London’s O2 Arena tomorrow evening, Itauma will become the youngest world heavyweight champion since Mike Tyson dethroned Trevor Berbick in 1986.

By claiming the vacant IBF title, though, Itauma would then be ordered to face mandatory challenger Frank Sanchez, who comes off a second-round finish over Richard Torrez Jr in May.

‘The Cuban Flash’ also unanimously outpointed Efe Ajagba in 2021, with his only defeat coming via a seventh-round knockout against Agit Kabayel in 2024.

But even so, Matchroom promoter Hearn has told DAZN that, stylistically, Sanchez could present Itauma with a greater challenge than Hrgovic.

“The [opponent] that’s actually a bit more difficult for Moses, that he will have to fight, is Frank Sanchez. He’s old [34], but it’s the style – his reflexes, although he’s old, are still [pronounced].

“He wilted against Kabayel. I think he had a bad knee but, when it’s on top, Sanchez [doesn’t respond well]. But, early on, he’s sharp.”

With Kabayel having since become the WBC world champion, Sanchez’ sole defeat does not appear quite so severe.

More stories