Moses Itauma vs Filip Hrgovic: The fight that could crown British boxing’s next heavyweight superstar
Moses Itauma will fight Filip Hrgovic for the vacant IBF heavyweight title on 29 August, with the 21-year-old aiming to become the youngest heavyweight world champion since Mike Tyson.
The bout at London’s O2 Arena represents the biggest test of Itauma’s professional career so far and could mark a significant moment for British boxing as the heavyweight division enters a new chapter following the dominance of Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury.
Itauma has quickly established himself as one of the most highly rated young fighters in boxing, winning all 14 of his professional contests with 12 victories coming by knockout.
Queensberry Promotions promoter Frank Warren believes the heavyweight has the ability to compete at the highest level after following his progress since his teenage years.
“We signed him when he was 16. He was an amateur. We sponsored him and he turned professional with us. And he’s been amazing and sort of taken the world by storm,” Warren said.
“A lot of people have high expectations of him as I have, by the way.”
Itauma’s rapid rise continues with world title shot
The British heavyweight has made a major impact since turning professional, regularly stepping up against more experienced opponents.
Itauma produced one of the standout performances of his career when he stopped American Jermaine Franklin in the fifth round in Manchester in March. He had previously stopped former world title challenger Dillian Whyte inside one round in August 2025.
A victory against Hrgovic would see Itauma claim the IBF belt vacated by Oleksandr Usyk in June and become the youngest heavyweight champion since Tyson won the WBC title at 20 years and 150 days old in 1986.
Itauma was initially ordered to negotiate with Cuban heavyweight Frank Sanchez for the vacant title, but Sanchez agreed to step aside and will instead face the winner.
“We paid [Sanchez] some money. We said whoever wins the fight, you’re not losing out and you’ll get the opportunity to fight for the title against the winner,” Warren added.
Hrgovic provides toughest test of Itauma’s career
Hrgovic enters the contest with considerably more professional experience than Itauma.
The Croatian, a bronze medallist at the 2016 Olympic Games, has won 20 of his 21 professional bouts, only losing to Britain’s Daniel Dubios in 2024.
The 34-year-old most recently stopped Britain’s Dave Allen in the third round in May and Warren expects Itauma to face a demanding challenge.
“We know Hrgovic is going to come and give 100%, and 100% of him is hard work for anyone,” Warren said.
Could Itauma take over from Joshua and Fury as Britain’s heavyweight star?
For much of the past decade, Joshua and Fury have been the leading names in British heavyweight boxing.
Joshua became a two-time world champion and headlined some of the biggest fights in the sport, while Fury held multiple world titles and became one of the division’s biggest attractions.
With both fighters now approaching the later stages of their careers, attention has turned towards the next generation of British heavyweights.
Itauma’s progress has placed him among the leading candidates to take over that role, although the 21-year-old still faces a difficult path towards becoming the division’s top name.
A win against Hrgovic would provide a major boost, giving him a world title and opening the door to potential unification fights against the other champions.
Wembley blockbuster could be next for Itauma
A potential all-British heavyweight showdown could be on the horizon if Itauma continues his progress.
Daniel Dubois defeated Fabio Wardley in May to become a two-time heavyweight world champion, with the pair set to meet again in October.
Warren revealed that if Itauma defeats Hrgovic and then Sanchez, a fight against either Dubois or Wardley could potentially take place at Wembley Stadium in 2027.
“It would be huge, absolutely huge. They’re big punchers. These guys are big, big punchers. They’re exciting. They’re not in boring fights,” Warren said.
The potential fight would also create an interesting dynamic as Wardley and Itauma are both trained by Ben Davison.
Warren admitted the trainer would have a difficult decision to make should the fight happen.
“I’ve seen best friends fight each other but they do it for the money they get, which pays the bills,” he added.
Alongside the IBF and Dubois-Wardley situation, the other heavyweight world titles are currently held by Murat Gassiev (WBA) and Agit Kabayel (WBC).
Frank Warren backs Itauma to make history
Should Itauma defeat Hrgovic, he would become one of the youngest British fighters to win a world title.
He will be 21 years and 244 days old when he challenges for the IBF belt, narrowly behind Prince Naseem Hamed, who won the WBO featherweight title at 21 years and 218 days old in 1995.
Teddy Baldock remains the youngest British world champion after winning the bantamweight title aged 19 years and 346 days old in 1927.
Warren believes Itauma’s achievements would represent a major moment for British boxing.
“Obviously I’m proud of what he’s done up to now but if he does this I’ll be the happiest guy around because he’s such a nice guy,” Warren said.
“He is a great advert for British boxing, world boxing and for sport.”
Moses Itauma vs Filip Hrgovic FAQs
When is Moses Itauma fighting Filip Hrgovic?
Moses Itauma will face Filip Hrgovic on 29 August at London’s O2 Arena.
What title is Moses Itauma fighting for?
The fight will be for the vacant IBF heavyweight world title, which became available after Oleksandr Usyk vacated the belt.
How old is Moses Itauma?
Moses Itauma is 21 years old and will be 21 years and 244 days old when he fights Hrgovic.
Could Moses Itauma become the youngest heavyweight champion since Mike Tyson?
Yes. A victory over Filip Hrgovic would make Itauma the youngest heavyweight world champion since Mike Tyson achieved the feat in 1986.
Could Moses Itauma fight Daniel Dubois or Fabio Wardley?
If Itauma beats Hrgovic and then Frank Sanchez, promoter Frank Warren has suggested a potential unification fight against the winner of Daniel Dubois vs Fabio Wardley could take place in 2027.
