Just over two months removed from 21-year-old Moses Itauma’s (14-0, 12 KOs) sensational fifth-round knockout of Jermaine Franklin, the boxing world is waiting for the announcement of the UK’s biggest prodigy’s toughest test to date against Filip ‘El Animal’ Hrgovic (20-1, 15 KOs).
Hrgovic is coming off an impressive third-round stoppage of ‘The White Rhino’ Dave Allen. He is currently riding a three-fight win streak, with victories over former WBO interim heavyweight champion Joe ‘Juggernaut’ Joyce and hard-hitting contender David ‘Big D’ Adeleye.
Whilst Hrgovic does not have a perfect record, his only defeat came via doctor’s stoppage against current IBF heavyweight champion Daniel ‘Dynamite’ Dubois.
So, the question is this: has Itauma finally taken a step too far, or will he show the world that he truly belongs on the biggest stage against one of the most technically sound heavyweights in boxing?
Itauma’s keys to victory
Itauma has quickly gained a reputation as one of the sharpest punchers in the heavyweight division. His in-and-out movement is second to none, and he should be hoping that his speed and footwork are unlike anything Hrgovic has seen in the professional ranks.
Another weakness we have seen from Hrgovic is a dip in output when he is forced to work at someone else’s pace. Itauma is known for fighting at a high tempo, compared to Hrgovic’s more methodical and calculated approach.
Dubois broke Hrgovic down by using his weight and physicality to wear him out. Whilst Itauma may not enjoy the same size advantage, the body is always there to be hit, and sustained body work drains fighters quickly.
We know Itauma is a southpaw. Whilst Hrgovic is 3-0 against left-handed opponents, his toughest and most controversial victory came against Zhilei ‘Big Bang’ Zhang.
Itauma also stopped fellow southpaw Demsey McKean with ease. Hrgovic, meanwhile, struggled with McKean at times and was forced to wait until the twelfth round before securing a stoppage victory.
Finally, I think Itauma has a great chance if he avoids becoming a stationary target. Hrgovic does not move particularly quickly, especially compared to Moses Itauma.
Every time he finishes a combination, Itauma should angle out to the side. Against a flatter-footed heavyweight like Hrgovic, this will force him to reset repeatedly and could create openings for counter shots.
Hrgovic’s keys to victory
For Hrgovic to come out victorious, he must use the one thing he undoubtedly has over Itauma: experience.
Hrgovic knows how to force opponents to fight at his pace. He understands how to control the centre of the ring and use his height and reach advantages effectively.
Another thing Hrgovic must do is trust his chin.
I am not saying he should walk forwards with his hands down and allow Itauma free shots. Nobody is invincible. However, he has absorbed some of the hardest punches thrown by modern heavyweight punchers in Daniel Dubois and Zhilei Zhang.
He needs enough confidence in his durability to know he can take one to give back three if necessary.
The question has to be asked: if Dubois could not put Hrgovic down, let alone knock him out, how can Itauma?
On the other hand, I think Hrgovic needs to test Itauma’s chin early.
Itauma has not yet faced an opponent capable of truly testing his punch resistance. His longest fight to date lasted only five rounds against Jermaine Franklin, who is not known as a devastating puncher.
We know Hrgovic carries power, with a 75% knockout ratio. We also know he punches fundamentally well. The real question is how Itauma responds when he gets hit cleanly by a genuine world-level heavyweight.
Finally, I think Hrgovic will need to make the fight ugly.
It may not make for great viewing, but experienced fighters know how valuable rough tactics can be. Whether it is leaning on Itauma, clinching, or forcing physical exchanges on the inside, we have not yet seen how Moses would respond over a long fight.
Hrgovic has over 70 amateur bouts and nearly a decade in the professional ranks. He knows how to use every advantage available to him.
Zach’s Corner
As much as I love Moses Itauma, and as much as he is one of my favourite boxers in the world, I feel this could be his ceiling at this stage of his career.
Whilst I believe Itauma has the skill set to beat Hrgovic, I do not think he would stop him. More importantly, we have not seen Itauma go beyond half a fight yet, assuming this would be contested over 12 rounds.
Hrgovic has been through wars with heavy hitters whose power remains dangerous throughout an entire fight.
I do not doubt that Moses can win. It is heavyweight boxing, after all. However, based on what we have seen throughout both careers, there is not enough evidence to suggest he currently has what it takes to beat a firmly established top-five to top-ten heavyweight.
Hopefully the fight becomes official in the coming weeks.
