LONDON — Moses Itauma is scheduled to fight Filip Hrgovic on August 29, 2026, at The O2 Arena in London. Itauma, 21, holds a professional record of 14 wins and 0 losses with 12 knockouts. Hrgovic, 34, from Croatia, has a record of 21 wins and 1 loss with 15 knockouts; his sole defeat came against Daniel Dubois in 2024. Hrgovic won a bronze medal at the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympics.

Itauma turned professional three years prior to June 2026, winning his debut by knockout in 23 seconds. In March 2026, he defeated Jermaine Franklin Jr. He failed to win by stoppage in two six-round bouts in 2023. Itauma is ranked first in the World Boxing Organization heavyweight rankings, while Hrgovic is ranked second. Daniel Dubois defeated Fabio Wardley in May 2026 for the WBO heavyweight belt. Also in May 2026, Hrgovic defeated Dave Allen by stoppage in the third round.

Queensberry promoter Frank Warren commented on the bout. "This fight is the litmus test Moses is ready for and it is the one he wanted," Warren said. Warren added that Hrgovic believes it will be "too much too soon for the young star."

Hrgovic discussed his path to professional boxing. "He was given everything on the plate when I compare his path with my path and other guys who are coming from small countries," he said. "I think my path was much harder, much, much harder." He added, "I worked so hard to get into position." Hrgovic also said, "I think everything he achieved was given."

Itauma responded to the comments. "Whether he thinks my path has been easy or not, it won't do him any favours," he said. "He's almost 14 years older than me and we're still in the same position." He also said, "He doesn't know anything about me to comment on that." Itauma maintained that his position was earned, stating, "At the end of the day the position I'm in wasn't given to me. I still had to beat and overcome challenges."

Itauma views the fight as a challenge. "This is a big test," he said. "Of course, it's my toughest fight. Filip Hrgovic ain't no mug." He acknowledged Hrgovic's accomplishments. "I think the beautiful thing about boxing is that Hrgovic has achieved so much in this sport, has beat so many well-known guys in not just British boxing, but boxing in general, and he's won an Olympic bronze medal," Itauma said. He expressed confidence in his ability to overcome Hrgovic's past achievements. "And I guess the beautiful thing about my position is I can strip him away from all of that," he said. "So I'm ready to come when it comes to the day, I'll be ready."

Hrgovic asserted his role in the matchup. "History said that Moses never reached the promised land and history repeats," he said. He added, "My job is to stop him to reach the promised land to become champion, to become next star that he got all the attributes to be." Hrgovic believes Itauma has external support. "He has country behind him, promotion, so since beginning of his career they're building him into the big star," he said. Addressing Itauma's skills, he said, "Obviously he got the talent, speed and punching power and everybody predicting he's the next big star in boxing and I'm here to stop him."

Hrgovic expressed confidence in his abilities. "Of course I believe in myself," he stated. "I'm too tough, too experienced guy, too strong for him. And I believe in myself that I will beat him." He acknowledged opinions regarding Itauma. "This fight, a lot of guys write me off and saying that he's too quick and he's too dangerous but I definitely believe, and I'm coming for a win," Hrgovic said. He also discussed his fighting philosophy. "I'm a fighter. I look at it from a different angle." Hrgovic commented on Itauma's resilience. "I've never seen him in trouble. I've never seen him punched, get dropped." He added, "He's definitely got speed and skills but to be a great fighter you must have hard will, chin and endurance." Itauma and Hrgovic exchanged a handshake during a face-off. Itauma concluded his remarks by saying, "Once that first punch lands, I'm sure he'll respect me then."