Hrgovic aims to spoil Itauma's coronation in August 29 heavyweight bout

Filip Hrgovic will fight Moses Itauma on August 29, with the Croatian determined to prevent the 22-year-old British heavyweight from being declared the division’s next star. Hrgovic, 34, believes the public has already decided that Itauma will win before the opening bell.

Itauma’s fast rise has brought comparisons with Mike Tyson and presented him as a powerful young destroyer. Hrgovic has instead been positioned as another experienced opponent for the unbeaten prospect to overcome. The Croatian considers the bout the biggest of his career and believes its timing suits him because he still has power, energy and experience.

Hrgovic’s reputation changed after his defeat by Daniel Dubois. He connected regularly in the early rounds, but his defence deteriorated as Dubois maintained a demanding pace. That result made Hrgovic appear more vulnerable than he had during his disputed victory over Zhang Zhilei.

Itauma’s record of quick knockouts has left a major question unanswered: how will he perform once an opponent withstands his initial assault? The young southpaw generally avoids taking clean punches by moving away when pressure arrives, then tries to create room for a forceful counter. His speed, power and youth have been especially effective against opponents who have not lasted long enough to test him.

That style gives Hrgovic a clear tactical problem. Charging after Itauma could expose him to the counter left hand, while surviving the early attack would force the younger fighter into unfamiliar territory. Hrgovic’s extensive amateur experience includes meetings with southpaws and mobile heavyweights, which could help him recognise Itauma’s movement and retreat patterns.

The fight will therefore test whether Itauma can maintain his destructive momentum after his preferred early finish is denied. Hrgovic’s defeat by Dubois exposed weaknesses under sustained pressure, but he believes he has the ability to use his experience and physical strength to overturn the expectations surrounding the bout.