Itauma: Win over Hrgovic could lead to world title shot
Moses Itauma believes defeating Filip Hrgovic would be his toughest fight yet, but could open the door to a world championship bout against Daniel Dubois or other top contenders.
Rising British boxer Moses Itauma is preparing for the biggest fight of his career against Croatian Filip Hrgovic. A victory for Itauma could set up an all-British world title clash with Daniel Dubois, provided Dubois wins a mooted rematch with Fabio Wardley. However, Itauma has his sights set higher, telling the BBC 5 Live Boxing podcast that he also targets unified champion Oleksandr Usyk or a fight against German contender Agit Kabayel for a vacant title.
Itauma acknowledges Hrgovic as his toughest opponent. "Filip Hrgovic is no mug. He has achieved so much in this sport, beaten many well-known guys, not just in British boxing but in general. He won an Olympic bronze medal." Hrgovic, a 2016 Olympic bronze medalist with 20 professional wins, most recently stopped Briton Dave Allen in the third round in May.
Hrgovic, whose only loss came against Dubois in 2024, was less complimentary of Itauma. "I'm a fighter. I look at it from a different angle. I've never seen him in trouble, never seen him punched or dropped. He's definitely got speed and skills, but to be a great fighter you must have hard will, chin and endurance."
Despite the tension, the two boxers exchanged a handshake during a courteous face-off. The bout is billed as youth versus experience, with both men eager to prove their superiority.
