Filip Hrgovic has revealed one area of weakness that could make him vulnerable to a stoppage defeat when he faces Moses Itauma.
The two heavyweights will square off for the vacant IBF title on August 29, headlining a Queensberry Promotions pay-per-view show at London’s O2 Arena.
Initially, they had agreed to a non-title fight, only for both combatants to be given an additional incentive after Oleksandr Usyk vacated his three major belts in June.
The winner must then face mandatory challenger Frank Sanchez, who agreed to a step-aside fee following his manager’s negotiations with Queensberry promoter Frank Warren.
In terms of the task at hand, though, it must be said that Itauma is approaching his toughest assignment thus far, with Hrgovic having previously fought for the IBF title in 2024.
Back then, the Croatian had arguably built a slight lead against Daniel Dubois, only for the ringside doctor to prompt an eighth-round stoppage after inspecting the damage around his eyes.
It is worth noting, too, that these cuts were reopened – albeit to varying degrees of severity – in Hrgovic’s subsequent victories over Joe Joyce, David Adeleye and Dave Allen.
Speaking with DAZN, the 34-year-old admitted that this is of genuine concern as he gears up to face the sharp-shooting Itauma.
“That’s the only thing I’m afraid of. I can’t do anything about that. In my last three or four fights, that cut was opening, so it’s obviously a sensitive part of skin.
“I know when [Itauma] hits me, I’m going to continue coming. But, for the cut – if it’s open – I cannot close it with the power of my will. The [ringside] doctor is going to decide [whether the fight continues].
“Besides that, I’m not afraid of his power or his speed or anything like that.”
If Itauma proves successful against Hrgovic, perhaps via a stoppage on cuts, then he will become the youngest heavyweight champion since Mike Tyson defeated Trevor Berbick in 1986.
