Itauma – the main prospect awaiting a test
The undisputed view regarding Moses Itauma is that he is a tremendous talent. He is fast, fierce, mobile, with a punch capable of turning out an opponent's lights and skills capable of posing many problems for his opponent.
In the pros, he has already beaten Mariusz Wach, Dempsey McKean, Dillian Whyte, and Jermaine Franklin. All of them – convincingly. Wach, who fell in the 2nd round, said that Itauma hit him the hardest, even though Mariusz also faced Wladimir Klitschko in his career. Dempsey McKean was knocked out in the 1st round, although Hrgovic struggled with him for all 12. Dillian Whyte was also knocked out in the 1st round – the fastest loss in the career of Anthony Joshua's most high-profile rival. Franklin lasted less than 5 rounds, although Joshua, Dychko, and Whyte went the full distance with him.
But this still hasn't convinced everyone. After all, actual flaws can be found in each of the opponents that genuinely exist. Therefore, Moses needs a real test. He talks about this himself – he wants to go all 12 rounds, wants to show that he is ready for any opponent.
Filip Hrgovic has plenty of flaws. But this is the strongest opponent in the Briton's career so far.
Hrgovic – on a winning streak, but everyone still remembers his last defeat
Filip Hrgovic is currently on a three-fight winning streak. He successively beat Joe Joyce, David Adeleye, and David Allen. Not a bad list, one stoppage win, two unanimous decisions. But still, everyone remembers the defeat that happened in the summer of 2024 against Daniel Dubois.
First, it was the first loss of his career. Up to this point, Filip had never been knocked down or knocked out – nor was he while in the ring with Dubois, but he lost by stoppage due to an injury. Second, Hrgovic started very well, but traditionally faded towards the middle of the bout. And he couldn't stop Daniel's activity.
Talk about that loss continues also because of how Hrgovic returned. Joyce was outworked, but Joe is an aging boxer who no longer takes a punch as he used to. Then David Adeleye was beaten, who, with his rather simple style, caused Hrgovic way too many problems. The victory over David Allen is an expected outcome. The Croatian had a difficult camp, but his level is higher than the Briton's.
How the belt appeared on the line
Initially, the IBF title was vacated by Oleksandr Usyk. He is going his own way, and the final bout of his career will not involve traditional belts.
Even before that, Frank Sanchez became the mandatory challenger. And later two events occurred – Itauma was matched with Hrgovic, and Moses was scheduled for an IBF title bout against Sanchez. A choice had to be made, but promoter Frank Warren reached an agreement with Sanchez. The Cuban received a lucrative purse and a promise to face the winner without having to wait – he becomes the number one contender against either fighter.
Clash of styles and speeds
In Hrgovic, one can find plenty of issues that will prevent him from beating Itauma. For example, speed. Stamina partly as well – he often fades towards the middle of the bout. Rather mediocre defense – the Croatian regularly takes heavy punches from opponents.
But this is Moses's toughest opponent in his career. The Briton has never fought such a simultaneously young, motivated, strong, and big boxer. Experience is Filip's main advantage. He has been in situations in the ring that haven't happened to Itauma yet.
However, stylistically the Briton is an extremely difficult opponent for Hrgovic. If the Croatian fails to keep his distance, work extensively with combinations, and land punches – there will definitely be problems. Moses's hand and foot speed will create issues for him. The question is whether Itauma will convert this advantage into the desired result.