Dubois warns Itauma of Hrgovic test in vacant IBF title fight

Daniel Dubois believes Moses Itauma faces a serious examination when he meets Filip Hrgovic for the vacant IBF heavyweight title at the O2 Arena next Saturday.

Dubois has shared the ring with Hrgovic and describes the Croatian as an experienced, physically tough fighter. He expects the contest to attract close attention across the heavyweight division but has stopped short of selecting a winner.

Itauma has been installed as the favourite despite the scale of the challenge. The 20-year-old is moving up from a fifth-round stoppage of Jermaine Franklin, while Hrgovic brings a far more demanding level of experience into the fight.

Hrgovic’s most recent victory came against Franklin in March, when he ended the bout in five rounds. The Croatian is still seeking his first major world title, making the vacant IBF belt an important opportunity in his career.

Dubois knows the threat Hrgovic presents from their meeting in 2024. Many observers believed Hrgovic was ahead before cuts prevented him from continuing into the ninth round, allowing Dubois to secure an eighth-round stoppage.

That win helped Dubois become a two-time world champion, while Hrgovic remained without a major belt. Oleksandr Usyk had relinquished the IBF title, along with two other championships, in June, creating the opening for Itauma and Hrgovic.

Victory would also put Itauma on course to become the youngest heavyweight world champion since Mike Tyson defeated Trevor Berbick in 1986. Dubois, however, sees Hrgovic as the toughest assignment yet for the rising British heavyweight and will be watching to see whether Itauma can overcome the Croatian’s pressure and experience.