The boxing world has become enamored with 21-year-old heavyweight sensation Moses Itauma <\/a>(14-0, 12 KO). Standing on the other side of the ring is veteran Filip Hrgovic (20-1, 15 KO). Hrgovic, a 2016 Olympic bronze medalist at super heavyweight, sees the opportunity as a chance to make waves. <\/p>\n At Monday’s press conference, Hrgovic spoke.<\/p>\n Hrgovic warns Itauma IMAGO \/ PA Images<\/p>\n “I know why I have been invited here. I have been invited to lose. I understand. [Promoter] Frank Warren is not going to make as much money from me [as he stands to make with Itauma]. My job is to stop him from reaching the promised land, from becoming champion, and to be the next star.”<\/p>\n In the midst of the commentary, the 34-year-old praised the young knockout artist but delivered a stern warning ahead of their August 29 clash.<\/p>\n “He has all the attributes; he has had the promotion since the beginning of his career. Everyone is predicting that he’s the next big star. I am here to stop him. I will prove I am too tough, too experienced, and too strong…. A lot of guys write me off… But I am coming for the win.”<\/p>\n England vs. Croatia #OTD<\/a> a month ago \u23ea<\/p>\n Filip Hrgovic’s world title charge rumbles on \u23f3 pic.twitter.com\/jxp1kSh2ll<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 DAZN Boxing (@DAZNBoxing) June 16, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n A 9-to-2 underdog means bettors believe that Hrgovic will act as cannon fodder, a mobile punching bag in what amounts to a glorified sparring session. Hrgovic used his vast experience advantage to detail what he sees in Itauma.<\/p>\n “Look, I’m not impressed in the way that the whole world is,” Hrgovic continued. “I’m a fighter, I look at it from a different angle. Never seen him in trouble, punched, or dropped. He definitely has skills and speed, but to be a great fighter, you must have heart, will, chin, and endurance. We haven’t seen that yet. Maybe he’s got all of that, but maybe not… I will test to see if he is the real deal… I will beat this guy and [go on to] become the heavyweight champion of the world.”<\/p>\n In essence, Hrgovic wonders how Itauma will function in deep water; the latter rounds test a fighter’s mettle and resolve. Yet, the veteran’s most damning statement flowed later.<\/p>\n “He has been given everything on a plate when you compare his path to my path and others from small countries,” shouted Hrgovic. In other words, within all of that vitriol is a discrepancy.<\/p>\n Can the wily veteran silence the upstart, derailing the ascension?<\/p>\n![\"Moses](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/1782226273_1_01k2qa77zrbfz22jzw3a.jpg\" "\\"Moses")
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