Moses Itauma will face Filip Hrgović on August 8 in Manchester in what shapes up as the most significant test of the unbeaten British heavyweight’s young professional career, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.
The 21-year-old enters the fight at 14-0 with 12 knockouts, having beaten Jermaine Franklin in five rounds as recently as March. Hrgović comes in on the back of a third-round stoppage of Dave Allen on May 16, a result that underlines why he was the opponent of choice for Itauma’s next step.
Promoter Frank Warren confirmed both the location and the calibre of opposition, saying, “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 originally been considered for July 25 at London’s O2 Arena, but Joshua’s announcement of his own fight in Saudi Arabia on that date prompted a reshuffle, moving Itauma’s contest to August 8 instead. Related News Hrgovic sets up Itauma showdown in Manchester Remo vow to rebuild after NPFL relegation Usyk declares Itauma as next undisputed heavyweight champion
Warren was in little doubt about the significance of the matchup. “Again, a great heavyweight fight. This division is on fire,” he said.
