Boxing pundits back Itauma to beat Hrgovic for vacant IBF heavyweight title
Moses Itauma faces Filip Hrgovic in London on Saturday for the vacant IBF heavyweight world title, with most boxing experts predicting a win for the unbeaten Briton.
Britain's Moses Itauma will challenge Croatia's Filip Hrgovic for the vacant IBF heavyweight world title at London's O2 Arena on Saturday. The 21-year-old from Chatham has won all 14 of his professional bouts, 12 by stoppage, and a victory would make him the youngest heavyweight world champion since Mike Tyson in 1986.
Hrgovic, however, represents a significant step up in competition. The 34-year-old, a 2016 Olympic bronze medallist, holds a record of 20 wins against a single defeat, with 15 of those victories coming inside the distance.
What the experts say
BBC Sport gathered predictions from several former world champions and boxing figures, and the overwhelming majority favour Itauma. Former featherweight champion Prince Naseem Hamed expects it to be one of the easiest nights of Itauma's career. Carl Frampton cautions that Hrgovic is tougher than many give him credit for and could make the second half of the fight difficult, but still tips Itauma to win, potentially on cuts.
Tony Bellew predicts either a quick finish or a genuine test, leaning towards Itauma stopping Hrgovic inside three rounds. Anthony Crolla believes Itauma's speed and timing will tell in round six or seven. Other pundits — Jeamie TKV, Paul Smith, Dave Coldwell, Ade Oladipo and Barry Jones — also favour Itauma, while acknowledging Hrgovic arrives in strong shape and determined to seize his title opportunity.
Radio commentary begins at 21:00 BST on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra, switching to BBC Radio 5 Live from 22:00.
