A possible Filip Hrgovic fight would give the unbeaten prospect his first serious heavyweight test
Moses Itauma may finally be approaching the fight that reveals whether he is ready for elite heavyweight competition. Reports linking Filip Hrgovic to Itauma’s August return in Manchester would represent a major jump from the opposition the unbeaten 21-year-old has faced so far.
Promoter Frank Warren confirmed this week that a top-10 heavyweight is being targeted for Itauma’s next fight, which is expected to take place August 8 in Manchester. Reports have linked Hrgovic as the preferred opponent for Itauma, although Warren stopped short of naming him directly.
“Moses is fighting up in Manchester, we’re going to announce it,” Warren told Sky Sports.
“He’s fighting a top 10 heavyweight, we expect to get the fight we want to make over the line.
“Again, a great heavyweight fight. This division is on fire.”
The Hrgovic possibility has created immediate debate because it would represent a dramatic increase in risk compared to the opposition Itauma has faced during his 14-0 professional run.
Itauma has been dominant so far, stopping 12 of his 14 opponents, but much of his opposition has consisted of older heavyweights, faded veterans, or limited fighters selected to build experience and momentum. His recent wins came against Jermaine Franklin, 32, Dillian Whyte, 37, Mike Balogun, 41, Demsey McKean, 34, and Mariusz Wach, who was in his mid-40s when they fought.
The concern for some fans is less about Itauma’s offensive talent and more about what happens once he is forced into a prolonged physical fight against a durable heavyweight capable of absorbing punishment and continuing to press forward. That is where Hrgovic becomes a completely different assignment.
The Croatian contender’s only professional defeat came against Daniel Dubois in 2024, but Dubois had to absorb heavy punishment before finally stopping him in the eighth round. Hrgovic landed major right hands throughout the fight and remained dangerous even late.
Jermaine Franklin also briefly staggered Itauma in March, a moment that has gained renewed attention because Franklin is not viewed as a devastating heavyweight puncher. Hrgovic is widely regarded as the harder puncher, and unlike many of Itauma’s previous opponents, he would likely survive long enough to test the 21-year-old’s durability over several rounds.
If Queensberry finalizes the fight, it would mark the first time Itauma has faced a heavyweight expected to push him backward physically and force him into the type of difficult exchanges that have largely been absent from his professional career so far.