“I think he’s a kid. He’s not mature enough. I think I’m the man. I’m at a much better age, much more experienced. No mind games. God willing, I’ll beat him. I’ll smash the kid on Saturday. I’ll send him back to high school.”
The contrast worked in Hrgovic’s favor. Itauma may be faster and more polished, but Hrgovic looked like the man enjoying the occasion. He does not see the intimidating presence others have attached to Itauma, describing him as a normal fighter with speed and talent but without the “animal” he expects to feel from a dangerous heavyweight.
Hrgovic Believes Hard Years Made Him Ready
Hrgovic told Ring Magazine that Itauma had been given “everything on the plate” inside Britain’s boxing system. He called the heavily backed contender “delusional” and “in the clouds,” surrounded by people telling him he is already the best.
That criticism forms Hrgovic’s argument for an upset. His own career has included a disputed decision win over Zhang Zhilei, a difficult twelve rounds with Demsey McKean, cuts over both eyes against Daniel Dubois and physically taxing victories over Joe Joyce and David Adeleye. He nearly walked away after the Dubois defeat before the birth of his daughter persuaded him to try again.
Those fights have cost Hrgovic physically, but they have also taught him what happens when a heavyweight contest becomes exhausting, painful and difficult to control. Itauma has never boxed beyond six rounds. Hrgovic believes Saturday will show if he can remain effective once the fight moves beyond familiar territory.
Surviving Itauma’s speed is the first requirement. Hrgovic said he used fast cruiserweights in camp and trusts his timing to catch the younger man between combinations. Jabs to the chest and body can interrupt Itauma’s lateral movement, while clinching and leaning can force him to carry Hrgovic’s weight.
Reaching the later rounds without suffering serious damage may pull the fight toward the type of contest Hrgovic understands. He can maintain a steady tempo, crowd Itauma and test an aerobic limit no professional opponent has reached. Itauma has looked devastating when allowed to attack in short bursts. Nobody knows how he will respond if Hrgovic is still pressing him after six rounds.
The Cuts Could Ruin Hrgovic’s Plan
Protecting the damaged tissue around his eyes is essential if Hrgovic is to apply that pressure. Dubois stopped him after opening cuts over both eyes, and the right eye was cut again against Adeleye. Itauma’s fast, compact combinations give him repeated opportunities to reopen those injuries.
Blood would force Hrgovic to increase his output before Itauma tires and may leave him fighting urgently instead of methodically. That is the clearest threat to the upset strategy. Hrgovic needs time, but his face may not allow him to take it.
The bookmakers have made Hrgovic such a large underdog that he was stunned to learn Jake Paul had been given a better chance against Anthony Joshua. Hrgovic laughed at the comparison and said it left him with nothing to lose.
That freedom has shown throughout fight week. Hrgovic is not asking for Itauma’s respect or trying to survive long enough to claim a respectable performance. He believes the favorite has been praised too soon, tested too little and placed in front of the wrong veteran. The rest of boxing expects Itauma’s coronation. Hrgovic has arrived to wreck it.
