Moses Itauma’s next opponent believes he can discover whether the unbeaten prospect is truly “the real deal”.
Itauma’s explosive start to his professional career has seen him described as the future of the heavyweight division by the likes of Tyson Fury and his next fight could be crucial in realising that dream.
The 21-year-old from Chatham, with a pro record of 14-0, will fight Croatia’s Filip Hrgovic at the O2 Arena on Saturday, August 29.
Itauma faced the press on Monday during the official announcement of a fight which he admits will be his biggest test yet.
“This is a big test, of course, my toughest fight,” said Itauma.
“Filip Hrgovic is no mug. He has achieved so much, beaten so many well-known guys, he’s won an Olympic bronze medal. The beautiful thing about boxing is that I can strip all of that away.”
Promoter Frank Warren said of the fight: “Two massive punchers – this has got excitement written all over it. It’s going to be a great fight.”
Hrgovic has won 20 of his 21 pro fights, with 15 KOs, beating Yorkshireman Dave Allen inside three rounds last time out.
His only loss came against Daniel Dubois two years ago in an IBF interim world title fight in Riyadh.
Itauma followed up a first-round TKO victory against Dillian Whyte with another stoppage to see off American Jermaine Franklin earlier this year, taking five rounds to win that fight at the Co-op Arena, Manchester.
“I will be ready when it comes to it,” said Itauma. “Every fight poses danger. Hrgovic has proved he can do certain things. If I didn’t get to answer them against Jermaine Franklin I am sure I will get to answer them [against Hrgovic].”
Itauma’s previous opponents haven’t been at the level of Hrgovic and the Croat is sure he can be the man to finally pose some problems for the Kent southpaw.
He said: “History says Moses never reached the promised land – history repeats right?
“My job is to stop him from reaching the promised land, to become champion, to become the next star, which he has all the attributes to be.
“He has the country behind him, promotion, since the beginning of his career, they have built him into a big star – he’s got talent, speed and punching power – everyone predicts he is the next big star in boxing, I am here to stop him.
“I am experienced and too strong for him. I believe I will beat him despite a lot of guys writing me off and saying he is too quick and dangerous, I definitely believe, and I am coming for a win.
“He has skill and speed, but to be a great fighter, you need hard will, chin, endurance, and we haven’t seen that yet. Maybe he has all of that – but maybe not.
“I think I will test if he is the real deal or not. I believe I will beat this guy and be the heavyweight champion of the world.
“He won the youth championships, which I won as well, then 10-14 [professional] fights, he becomes a superstar. I feel like he has got it all on a table, he didn’t sacrifice a lot for that, where he is now.
“I think my path was much harder. I worked so hard to get into this position, and everything he has achieved was given.
“Of course, he works hard, but it is not the same struggle I went through. I respect my path much more than his, but we will see on August 29 how good he is. Maybe he is the real deal. We will see.”
Itauma resisted the temptation to fire back insults at his summer opponent.
Asked about the lack of respect, he said: “Once that first punch lands, I am sure he will respect me then.
“He is 14 years older than me, and we are in the same position. He doesn’t know anything about me to comment on that [career path].
“I still have to beat and overcome challenges. Even if he doesn’t respect me, we will soon find out.
“Talking won’t fight for you. It’s nice to get some stick back, but it won’t change the outcome.”
Itauma added: “Boxing is like a puzzle, and with the right preparation, I don’t think there is a puzzle I can’t solve.”
Responding, Hrgovic said: “I don’t believe in puzzles. I believe that two men inside the ring, two warriors and the question is who has more will, determination, courage and desire for the win.
“I don’t believe in puzzles, strategies, tactics, game plans. Two different approaches; we will see what will happen.”
Itauma’s manager Francis Warren said: “Timing is everything in this sport. I think this is the time for Moses to step up to what is an elite-level world fight.
“Filip poses serious danger; he has operated at the highest level for a long time. He gave Daniel Dubois hell for three or four rounds, but the time is right for Moses to step up to this level and push that door open to push on for world honours.
“This should be for a world title, and it is a testament to both guys for getting it on now rather than waiting for a belt. I believe my man Moses Itauma will step up and devastate the world of boxing on the 29th.”
