Daniel Dubois’ head coach, Don Charles, has assessed the likelihood of a Filip Hrgovic victory when he faces heavyweight prodigy Moses Itauma.
The two highly-ranked contenders will square off at London’s O2 Arena on August 29, bidding to claim Oleksandr Usyk’s old IBF title.
With the belt becoming vacant in June, mandatory challenger Frank Sanchez ended up reaching a step-aside agreement with Queensberry promoter Frank Warren.
As such, ‘The Cuban Flash’ has not only been financially compensated but will also face the winner of Itauma-Hrgovic in due course.
And while it seems a competitive match on paper, Itauma is heavily favoured to become the youngest heavyweight champion since Mike Tyson defeated Trevor Berbick in 1986.
At just 21 years old, he has shown signs of genuine world-class potential, especially during his fifth-round stoppage of fringe contender Jermaine Franklin in March.
Something else to consider, though, is the fact that Hrgovic has sustained cuts in every fight since getting stopped in eight rounds – on cuts, no less – by Dubois in 2024.
Given these factors, coach Charles has told BoxNation that he believes Itauma will punch too fast and accurately for the 34-year-old Croatian.
“That’s a very interesting fight. You have Hrgovic who’s bringing the experience – the toughness – but Moses is just a sharp-shooter.
“I think he’ll be too quick, too fresh. And smart. He’s got a good boxing IQ, Moses. He might have to experience some turbulence, because Hrgovic is not a pushover.
“But Moses is just too sharp. And Hrgovic sustained terrible cuts when he fought Daniel, so any time anyone remotely hits that area, [the skin] will open up again.”
While there is a high possibility of him getting stopped on cuts, Hrgovic is nonetheless expected to offer Itauma his toughest test thus far.
