The central question heading into the fight is whether Itauma’s speed, power and youthful energy can overcome Hrgović’s experience and physical maturity
British-Nigerian heavyweight sensation Moses Itauma faces the biggest test of his young professional career on Saturday when he takes on Croatia’s Filip Hrgović for the vacant IBF heavyweight championship at London’s O2 Arena.
At just 21, the Kent-based fighter has already built an immaculate professional record, winning all 14 of his bouts and stopping 12 opponents. His most recent statement victory came against former world title challenger Dillian Whyte, whom he dismantled with a first-round stoppage.
Now, Itauma has the opportunity to transform his reputation as one of boxing’s brightest prospects into world championship status.
A victory would make him the second-youngest heavyweight world champion in history, behind only Mike Tyson, who captured his first heavyweight world title at the age of 20.
It would also make Itauma the youngest active heavyweight world champion, but standing in his way is a seasoned and dangerous opponent who believes the hype surrounding the Nigerian-born prospect has gone too far.
Itauma’s rise has been carefully managed, with his team gradually increasing the level of opposition as he develops.
That approach changes dramatically on Saturday.
Hrgović brings considerably more experience into the contest, having competed at the highest level of amateur and professional boxing. The Croatian won a bronze medal at the 2016 Rio Olympics and has since established himself as a leading heavyweight contender.
His professional record stands at 20 wins, one defeat and 15 knockouts, meaning Itauma will face an opponent who has spent considerably more time operating at championship level.
Hrgović also possesses the physical attributes expected of a modern heavyweight, combining size and power with an aggressive approach.
The Croatian suffered the only defeat of his professional career against Daniel Dubois, but has otherwise remained a dangerous presence in the division.
He now sees the Itauma fight as the biggest opportunity of his career.
“I know the boxing world write me off in this fight, like he’s new Mike Tyson, young kid, young destroyer, but I believe in myself, and this is the biggest fight of my life, and it’s in the right moment,” Hrgović said.
The rivalry has become increasingly personal during fight week, with Hrgović repeatedly referring to Itauma as a young and inexperienced fighter.
Those comments have clearly begun to irritate Itauma.
“I tell myself there’s nothing that this Hrgović guy can do to get in my head, but he’s starting to wind me up,” Itauma admitted.
Hrgović even mocked his younger opponent by suggesting that he “wakes up and hugs trees”, a remark that Itauma clearly did not appreciate.
The British-Nigerian prospect believes the Croatian’s attempts to provoke him could reveal more about Hrgović than himself.
“In my mind, if somebody’s trying to get one up on you, or trying to get in your head, it’s because they’re not confident in themselves,” he said.
Hrgović has also made it clear that he does not believe Itauma deserves the enormous attention he has received.
The Croatian named Usyk, Dubois, Kabayel, himself and Fury in his personal top-five heavyweight rankings, deliberately leaving Itauma out.
“Usyk has to be considered the leader, that’s not even up for debate, and behind him are Dubois, Kabayel, me, and Fury. But I should say that I’m capable of beating any of them,” Hrgović said.
He acknowledged Itauma’s ability but insisted that the young heavyweight’s reputation has outgrown his achievements.
“They hype him a lot. He definitely got talent and big qualities, and he’s a big puncher and quick heavyweight, but definitely it’s much more, in my opinion, than he deserves.”
The vacant IBF belt was not originally expected to be the prize when the contest was first arranged.
The fight was elevated to a world championship bout after Oleksandr Usyk vacated the IBF heavyweight title, while Frank Sanchez agreed to step aside.
That decision has dramatically accelerated Itauma’s path towards the top.
Instead of continuing his gradual development against increasingly difficult opposition, the unbeaten heavyweight now finds himself one victory away from becoming a world champion.
For Itauma, however, the presence of a world title has not altered his motivation.
