Moses Itauma vs Filip Hrgovic – Who wins heavyweight mega-fight?
It’s been unofficially confirmed that Moses Itauma (14-0, 12 KOs) vs Filip Hrgovic (20-1, 15 KOs) is all signed and set for August 8 at the O2 Arena in London, live on DAZN.
The clash will pit the WBO #1 against the WBO #2, so it’s the biggest heavyweight event out there outside of a world title fight.
The two top names will be big enough to fill the 20,000-capacity arena, which will headline a Queensberry Boxing show, who are currently delivering heavyweight spectaculars regularly with the recent Fabio Wardley-Daniel Dubois war and the Dave Allen-Filip Hrgovic knockout clash during May.
BBN asked their panel of experts for their view on who wins this heavyweight extravaganza.
Eddie Hearn, Matchroom Boxing: “I think that Hrgovic is a world-class heavyweight. Is he elite? I think that he is close to it. There was one stage where I think that he was really close to it.
“He is going to fight Itauma now and I think that it is a good fight. I think that Moses will be much too sharp for him, but I think that it is a proper challenge. It’s Moses’ first real test.”
Dave Allen, WBA International heavyweight champion: “If he boxes Itauma… I don’t know, you know. I’m not sure. He’s good. He’s there to be hit, but he does that much punching, it’s hard to get one off on him. I felt like he would’ve slowed down, but for my style and ability, I’d have taken way too much to get him there.”
Wayne Alexander, British, European, World welterweight champion: “This is a very Big step up for Moses, fighting a genuine world class fighter with more experience and still near his best, but I do believe that Moses is a special talent and future heavyweight champion.
“He will take a few rounds to figure out Filip Hrgovic’s style, and stop him in the middle of the fight.”
Tim Rickson, BBN Editor: “This will be a huge fight, the biggest British fight of the summer, for me, despite both Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury fighting in the same timeframe. It’s WBO #1 and #2, so it’s the biggest fight outside of a heavyweight world title fight.
“I think Hrgovic will be a great test for Itauma and I think it will go several rounds. Daniel Dubois landed some huge shots on the Croatian, especially in rounds seven and eight, but he stayed standing until the doctor stopped him on a cut. So, the Croatian is as sturdy as an oak tree.
“Hrgovic is big, fast, experienced, powerful and accurate, especially with that pinpoint right hand of his. I can see the pair standing at range exchanging jabs and straight shots, to start with, but I think Itauma will be quicker and smarter with his shot selection to gradually get on top and dictate the contest.
“The Chatham man is patient and confident in himself, and I think he will be sharp enough to outbox Hrgovic and dominate as the fight goes on. If it’s only 10 rounds then I can see it ending on points, but over 12 I think Itauma stops him. Hrgovic was cut against Dubois and received a little nick in his fight with Dave Allen, so it’s possible that any sustained damage could go against him again.
“You could argue that Hrgovic has experience over Itauma, but so has many of the sparring partners the Brit has beaten up; many world champions have been shocked by his superior skills at such a young age. Lawrence Okolie admitted to being schooled by him when Moses was a 15-year-old schoolboy. Now 21, this is a big step up for him, but its the challenge he needs and deserves to prove to the world he is not just a hype job.
“I back the faster, sharper Itauma to win by knockout in the second half of the contest.”
Arijan Goricki, IBO title contender: “My prediction is that fight will be fireworks, but at the end I think that Hrgovic’s experience will be too big for Itauma and that Itauma’s corner will retire him late in the fight.”
Burim Sylejmani, Fides Sports Promotion: “There has been a lot of talk about this fight recently. For me, Moses Itauma is a huge talent in the heavyweight division and he has delivered some very strong performances so far. However, he still hasn’t faced someone from the top level of the division yet. That said, I believe he has a massive future in heavyweight boxing.
“Filip Hrgovic has the greater experience and has faced the stronger names. That’s why I believe this fight comes a little too early for Itauma, and in my opinion Hrgovic will win the fight.”
Keith Sullivan, Boxing manager: “It’s an interesting fight. People forget Hrgovic has that Olympic pedigree. He won a bronze in the 2016 Games.
“Moses is only 21 years old, but makes up for his youth with tremendous fundamentals and talent.
“I see it as a close fight. It’s a big test for Moses. If Filip can make it an aggressive fight and keep Moses out of pocket and off his technically sound skill et, I believe Flip can take the victory.
“It’s going to be a good one for sure. It’s definitely not going to the scorecards, the judges can stay home for this one.”
Donald Stewart, BBN columnist: “Itauma stops him. There was nothing in the fight with Dave Allen that says he can stop a moderately well equipped heavyweight, never mind a puncher like Itauma.”
Things you didn’t know about Filip Hrgovic
Things you didn’t know about Moses Itauma
