Moses Itauma vs Filip Hrgovic Prediction: Who Will Win the IBF Heavyweight Title?

Moses Itauma will take the biggest test of his professional career when he faces Filip Hrgovic for the vacant IBF heavyweight title at The O2 Arena in London on Saturday, August 29.

The 21-year-old enters the bout undefeated at 14-0 with 12 knockouts and has quickly developed a reputation as one of boxing’s most dangerous young heavyweights. His recent victories over Dillian Whyte and Jermaine Franklin have pushed him toward world-title contention. Hrgovic, meanwhile, is 20-1 with 15 knockouts and has already competed at the highest level of the division.

The Croatian’s only professional defeat came against Daniel Dubois in 2024, but he has since recovered with victories over Joe Joyce and David Adeleye. That experience could prove crucial against a fighter who has never competed beyond 10 rounds.

Moses Itauma

Itauma has been one of the fastest-rising heavyweights in boxing. The southpaw combines quick hands, explosive power and impressive movement, making him difficult to deal with despite his relative lack of professional experience.

His 14-0 record includes 12 knockouts, while his last two wins have demonstrated his ability to step up against more experienced opposition. Itauma stopped Dillian Whyte in the first round before stopping Jermaine Franklin in the fifth round earlier this year.

At 21, Itauma also has youth on his side, but that could become a disadvantage if Hrgovic manages to take him into the championship rounds.

Filip Hrgovic

Hrgovic enters the fight as the more experienced heavyweight and has already spent years competing against established contenders. The Croatian stands taller than Itauma and owns a significant reach advantage.

His 20-1 record includes 15 knockouts, and his victories over Joyce and Adeleye showed his ability to remain composed in longer fights. Hrgovic’s experience could be particularly important if Itauma’s early power does not produce a finish.

SHOP: Kickboxing Equipment

Tale of the Tape

Stats	Moses Itauma	Filip Hrgovic
Age	21	34
Record	14-0	20-1
KO Wins	12	15
Height	6’4½”	6’6″
Reach	79″	82″
Stance	Southpaw	Orthodox
Nationality	British	Croatian

How to Watch

Moses Itauma vs Filip Hrgovic will take place at The O2 Arena in London on Saturday, August 29. The fight will be broadcast live on DAZN PPV, with the event also available through DAZN’s Ultimate Tier in the UK.

The main event is expected later in the card, following the undercard bouts.

Fight Analysis

This is a fascinating clash between Itauma’s speed and explosiveness and Hrgovic’s size, experience and durability.

Itauma will likely look to establish his speed immediately. His ability to close distance quickly and fire combinations could cause problems for Hrgovic, particularly if the Croatian struggles to maintain the fight at long range.

Hrgovic’s best chance will be to use his jab and physical advantages. He is the bigger man and has an additional three inches of reach, which could allow him to keep Itauma outside and force the younger fighter to work harder to get into punching range.

The biggest unknown is how Itauma will respond if Hrgovic refuses to go away. The British heavyweight has been spectacular during his professional career, but he has not yet been forced to fight through the kind of sustained adversity that could come in a 12-round world-title fight.

Hrgovic, however, has his own questions to answer. He has already suffered a stoppage defeat against Dubois, while Itauma possesses the type of speed and power that could punish him if he becomes stationary.

The longer the fight goes, the more the experience advantage should favor Hrgovic. But Itauma has repeatedly shown that he does not need many opportunities to change a fight.

Prediction

Hrgovic should have success early by using his jab and reach, but Itauma’s speed should gradually allow him to close the distance and land the more damaging shots.

The biggest factor could be Itauma’s ability to attack Hrgovic from angles that the Croatian has not previously had to deal with. If Itauma can maintain his movement while forcing Hrgovic into exchanges, his youth and athleticism should eventually take over.

Prediction: Moses Itauma to defeat Filip Hrgovic by TKO in Round 8