On August 29, Hrgovic will face Itauma. A victory could pave the way for the winner to face WBO champion Daniel Dubois.
Filip Hrgovic faces his next major test on August 29 at London’s O2 Arena. The Croatian will face British heavyweight prospect Moses Itauma—and knows that a victory could pave the way for a world title fight against WBO champion Daniel Dubois.
For Hrgovic, this would be a chance for a rematch. In June 2024, he suffered the first loss of his professional career against Dubois in Riyadh, when the fight was stopped in the eighth round due to severe cuts. Looking back, the 33-year-old speaks openly about that evening. “Fighting Daniel Dubois felt like sitting on a boat and throwing rocks into the sea. I just couldn’t miss him, but I didn’t feel good,” said Hrgovic. The Croatian explained that he had already been sick during fight week. “A week before the fight, I was in bed. I was taking ten different medications every day just to get some energy. After six rounds, I was done—not because of his punches, but because my stamina was gone.”
Nevertheless, Hrgovic is not underestimating his next opponent. Itauma, who is also highly regarded by the IBF and is expected to finalize a deal for an IBF world title fight with Frank Sanchez by July 29, is considered one of the greatest talents in the heavyweight division and is viewed by many experts as a future champion. Hrgovic even sees him as a tougher challenge than Dubois: “Stylistically, Itauma is the tougher fight. He’s faster and a southpaw. Dubois has accomplished more, but Itauma is more tricky.” At the same time, the Croatian is sending a clear message to the UK: “I’m sorry, but I have to beat your guy. Your next big hope, the one everyone believes is the next big thing.”
Text by Robin Josten