Following what he describes as a “good bit of business”, Eddie Hearn has offered his thoughts on the vacant title clash between Moses Itauma and Filip Hrgovic.
While they were already scheduled to collide at London’s O2 Arena on August 29, the two heavyweights are now fighting for the IBF world title.
This additional incentive was made possible by promoter Frank Warren, who cut a deal with mandatory challenger Frank Sanchez and persuaded him to step aside.
As a result, Itauma and Hrgovic will contest one of Oleksandr Usyk’s old belts, with the winner needing to face Sanchez in his following outing.
Up to this point, Itauma has shown signs of generational talent but against mostly limited opposition, perhaps with the exception of Jermaine Franklin in March.
But even then, the ferocious 21-year-old dispatched the fringe contender in five rounds, while Anthony Joshua and Dillian Whyte went the distance with Franklin in previous fights.
Hrgovic, however, is considered a proven world-level operator, with his only defeat resulting in an eighth-round stoppage on cuts to Daniel Dubois in 2024.
But even when considering the difference in experience, Matchroom promoter Hearn has told IFL TV that Itauma is a “massive favourite” for good reason.
“I think it’s a good bit of business from Frank Warren. Obviously they’ve managed to get Frank Sanchez to step aside, and I think he has to fight the winner.
“I think Moses is a massive favourite and, if he wins, he becomes world heavyweight champion.”
If he claims the IBF title, Itauma would also become the youngest heavyweight champion since Mike Tyson defeated Trevor Berbick in 1986.
