Moses Itauma to fight Filip Hrgovic for vacant IBF title
British-Nigerian heavyweight boxer Moses Itauma will enter the ring at London’s O2 Arena on August 29 against Croatia’s Filip Hrgovic in a bout for the vacant IBF heavyweight world title. For the 21-year-old Itauma, this will be the biggest fight of his professional career.
As Premium Times Nigeria reports, Itauma has recorded 14 wins in 14 bouts, 12 of them by knockout. In his previous fight, he stopped former world title challenger Dillian Whyte in the first round.
Hrgovic’s experience
Hrgovic enters the fight with a record of 20 wins, one loss and 15 knockouts. The Croatian is a bronze medalist from the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro. His only defeat in the professional ring came against Daniel Dubois.
Before the bout, Hrgovic said he considers the fight with Itauma the biggest opportunity of his career. He also said that excessive hype has been created around his younger opponent, while acknowledging his talent, speed and punching power.
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Title opportunity
Initially, the fight between Itauma and Hrgovic was not planned to be contested for the IBF title. It received championship status after Oleksandr Usyk vacated the IBF heavyweight belt and Frank Sanchez agreed to give up his position.
In the event of victory, Itauma will become the second-youngest heavyweight world champion in history after Mike Tyson, who won his first title at the age of 20. He will also become the division’s youngest reigning world champion.
Akwa Ibom State Governor Umo Eno of Nigeria expressed support for Itauma before the fight. Itauma has Nigerian heritage through his father, and Eno wished him victory.
