{"id":752721,"date":"2026-08-28T17:42:14","date_gmt":"2026-08-28T17:42:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/752721\/"},"modified":"2026-08-28T17:42:14","modified_gmt":"2026-08-28T17:42:14","slug":"eddie-hearn-names-the-old-heavyweight-who-will-test-moses-itauma-more-than-filip-hrgovic-can","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/752721\/","title":{"rendered":"Eddie Hearn names the ‘old’ heavyweight who will test Moses Itauma more than Filip Hrgovic can"},"content":{"rendered":"

Eddie Hearn believes Moses Itauma<\/a>\u2019s true introduction to world level will not come against Filip Hrgovic, but rather a savvy veteran who has recently restored his \u2018bogeyman\u2019 reputation.<\/p>\n

Most would agree, however, that Hrgovic represents the 21-year-old\u2019s toughest opponent thus far, with the Croatian\u2019s only defeat arriving against Daniel Dubois<\/a> in 2024.<\/p>\n

Back then, \u2018El Animal\u2019 gave a commendable effort \u2013 and had arguably built a slight lead \u2013 but was ultimately stopped on cuts in round eight of their encounter.<\/p>\n

Many would therefore consider him a top 10 heavyweight, yet Hrgovic has nonetheless been made a sizable underdog against the promising and unbeaten Itauma.<\/p>\n

If he defeats the 34-year-old at London\u2019s O2 Arena tomorrow evening, Itauma will become the youngest world heavyweight champion since Mike Tyson dethroned Trevor Berbick<\/a> in 1986.<\/p>\n

By claiming the vacant IBF title, though, Itauma would then be ordered to face mandatory challenger Frank Sanchez, who comes off a second-round finish over Richard Torrez Jr in May.<\/p>\n

\u2018The Cuban Flash\u2019 also unanimously outpointed Efe Ajagba in 2021, with his only defeat coming via a seventh-round knockout against Agit Kabayel in 2024.<\/p>\n

But even so, Matchroom promoter Hearn has told DAZN<\/a> that, stylistically, Sanchez could present Itauma with a greater challenge than Hrgovic.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe [opponent] that\u2019s actually a bit more difficult for Moses, that he will have to fight, is Frank Sanchez. He\u2019s old [34], but it\u2019s the style \u2013 his reflexes, although he\u2019s old, are still [pronounced].<\/p>\n

\u201cHe wilted against Kabayel. I think he had a bad knee but, when it\u2019s on top, Sanchez [doesn\u2019t respond well]. But, early on, he\u2019s sharp.\u201d<\/p>\n

Frank Sanchez is a problem for Moses if he gets through Hrgovic, say @EddieHearn<\/a> & @TonyBellew<\/a> \ud83d\udc40<\/p>\n

\ud83c\udf9f\ufe0f Buy #MosesHrgovic<\/a> NOW at https:\/\/t.co\/yxybEeo0Px<\/a> | Aug 29 | Watch only on DAZN pic.twitter.com\/s7jPfCgGGf<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 DAZN Boxing (@DAZNBoxing) August 26, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n

With Kabayel having since become the WBC world champion, Sanchez\u2019 sole defeat does not appear quite so severe.<\/p>\n