Filip Hrgovic believes Moses Itauma has yet to prove he deserves the enormous expectations surrounding him before their August 29 fight at The O2 in London.
Hrgovic sees himself as the opponent who will finally probe areas of Itauma’s game that have remained largely untouched. The Croatian points to his experience, endurance, toughness, and power as qualities the 21-year-old has not encountered in a single opponent.
“I think I’m the best opponent he’s faced. I think he’s never been until now in the ring with someone like me, with that kind of experience and endurance, toughness, power. So let’s see how good he is,” Hrgovic told DAZN Boxing. “Everyone says he’s a future superstar, future Lennox Lewis.”
“You believe it as well, though,” Itauma said.
“Let’s see,” Hrgovic said. “We’ll see. I don’t know. For right now, I’m not impressed. I must see something more than this to believe he’s the real deal. So, let’s see.”
Hrgovic believes he can force Itauma into situations previous opponents have been unable to create. The young heavyweight has spent his rapid climb through the division overwhelming opposition before being pushed into prolonged, difficult fights.
Hrgovic has already experienced those kinds of battles, including his grueling fight with Zhilei Zhang and stoppage loss to Daniel Dubois. His durability gives Itauma something different to solve if the fight extends beyond the early rounds.
Itauma has looked considerably faster than Hrgovic and carries dangerous power, but the Croatian represents a significant jump from the opposition the prospect has faced so far.
The Lennox Lewis comparisons are especially premature. Itauma does not need to resemble a future Hall of Famer on August 29. He does need to show that his talent remains effective against a durable heavyweight capable of absorbing punishment and firing back.
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Last Updated on 2026/08/07 at 5:08 AM
