Itauma Set For Biggest Career Test Against Hrgović In Manchester

Moses Itauma will take on Filip Hrgović in Manchester on August 8 in a heavyweight clash that could shape the next phase of the British prospect’s career.

The unbeaten 21-year-old has raced through the professional ranks, building a record of 14 wins with 12 knockouts. His latest outing ended emphatically in March when he stopped Jermaine Franklin inside five rounds, further fuelling talk that he could become one of Britain’s leading heavyweight contenders.

Hrgović arrives with far more experience at the elite level and remains one of the division’s most dangerous names outside the world title picture. The Croatian strengthened his standing earlier this month with a third-round stoppage win over Dave Allen, reminding rivals why he continues to sit among the heavyweight division’s top contenders.

Promoter Frank Warren confirmed the bout while stressing the scale of the challenge facing Itauma.

Warren said, “Moses is fighting up in Manchester, we’re going to announce it. He’s fighting a top 10 heavyweight, we expect to get the fight we want to make over the line.”

The bout had initially been lined up for July 25 at London’s O2 Arena. Plans changed after Anthony Joshua confirmed he would fight in Saudi Arabia on the same date, forcing organisers to move Itauma’s bout to August 8.

Warren believes the heavyweight scene is entering another exciting spell and sees the matchup as one worthy of the attention already building around it.

“Again, a great heavyweight fight. This division is on fire,” he said.