Filip Hrgovic looks set to be the next man to test Moses Itauma, who is looking to capture world honours as soon as possible and prove that he is the future of the heavyweight division.
Itauma continues to blitz his way through the ranks, now finding himself well and truly in contention for a heavyweight belt despite not fighting beyond the sixth round in his 14-fight career.
Before the 21-year-old Brit fights for a title – which promoter Frank Warren expects to come by the end of this year – he headlines the O2 Arena on August 8 and Hrgovic is expected to be awaiting him in the opposing corner. A Rio 2016 bronze medallist with designs on a world title himself, and his only pro defeat coming at the hands of reigning WBO champion, Daniel Dubois, the Croatian has vowed to stop Itauma in his tracks.
Speaking to Boxing News, top trainer Peter Fury looked ahead to the fight, but warned that Hrgovic, who stopped Dave Allen inside three rounds earlier this month, is well capable of exposing Itauma, ‘if he is not the real deal’.
“I think that it is a great step for Moses, I think they are bringing him on well. You know, Hrgovic said the right thing, he said, ‘We will see. He could be the next second coming in the heavyweight division – and he could not’.
“This is a fight that is winnable, but Hrgovic will test him because if he is not the real deal, Hrgovic will find it [out]. It is a good fight at this stage and I think that they are bringing young Moses Itauma on very well.”
An announcement is anticipated soon for Itauma’s August outing, as he headlines an event for the third consecutive occasion and for the first time in the UK capital. Both fighters have confirmed that they want the fight, and it seems only an injury or cut not healing in time will prevent Hrgovic from taking it.
