Moses Itauma faces the biggest test of his professional career tonight in London when he takes on Filip Hrgovic, and one heavyweight contender who knows the Croatian well is backing him to spring the upset.
Itauma has announced himself in the division with a string of dominant performances, but Hrgovic represents a significant step up in experience and proven world-level pedigree. The Croatian has mixed with some of the leading names at heavyweight, only losing to Daniel Dubois on cuts, and is widely expected to provide the sternest examination yet of the young Brit’s credentials.
Jarrell Miller, who has shared plenty of rounds with Hrgovic in sparring, believes he is the man to ask questions that have not yet been asked of Itauma.
The controversial American heavyweight told that the Croatian’s jab, toughness and experience make him a very different proposition.
“I think Hrgovic is very durable, war-proven. He’s not going to be jumping in and getting caught with dumb s**t. He has a really good jab.
“Let’s see where Itauma really is when he fights a real top-10 contender now, because honestly, out of everybody he’s fought, they’ve kind of laid down a little bit.
“Jermaine Franklin came to bang and gave him some good rounds. I just felt like maybe it wasn’t the best version of him, but let’s see where he goes. I’ve got more of a close relationship with Hrgovic.
“He’s one of my homies. We trained in Florida and sparred plenty of times, so I’ve got to go with the homie. I’ve got to go with Hrgovic whooping Itauma’s young ass.”
Miller’s prediction goes against the expectation of most who have watched Itauma tear through the early stages of his professional career, but Hrgovic should provide a far clearer indication of where the 21-year-old currently stands.
Itauma has not been dragged into prolonged, difficult spells so far, while Hrgovic has built his reputation around durability, a stiff jab, physical strength and the ability to stay competitive deep into fights.
If Itauma comes through, it will be the strongest statement of his career to date. If Hrgovic can drag him into unfamiliar territory and make the fight physical, Miller believes the unbeaten prospect could finally meet his match.
The winner will be crowned IBF heavyweight champion, with the addition of the vacant bout making an already intriguing fight much more significant in the wider division.
