LONDON — Moses Itauma is scheduled to fight Filip Hrgovic on August 29, 2026, at the O2 Arena in London. The winner of this heavyweight bout is likely to receive a title fight opportunity for the World Boxing Organization (WBO) heavyweight belt.

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

Itauma, 21, has a professional record of 14 wins and no losses, with 12 knockouts. He fights as a southpaw and is ranked first in the WBO heavyweight rankings. He defeated Jermaine Franklin Jr. by knockout in March 2026. Hrgovic, 34, is from Croatia and holds a record of 21 wins and one loss, with 15 knockouts. He is ranked second in the WBO heavyweight rankings. His only professional loss was to Daniel Dubois in 2024. Hrgovic won a bronze medal in boxing at the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympics and defeated Dave Allen by third-round stoppage in May 2026.

Hrgovic commented on the fighters' career paths. "He was given everything on the plate when I compare his path with my path and other guys who are coming from small countries," Hrgovic said. "I think my path was much harder, much, much harder."

Itauma responded to the comments. "Whether he thinks my path has been easy or not, it won't do him any favours," Itauma said. "He's almost 14 years older than me and we're still in the same position."

Regarding the upcoming match, Itauma said, "It's my toughest fight." He added, "Filip Hrgovic is no mug." Hrgovic offered his perspective on the fight, stating, "I've never seen him in trouble." He concluded, "I'm too tough, too experienced guy, too strong for him."

After the bout with Hrgovic, Itauma indicated he is targeting a fight against Daniel Dubois, Oleksandr Usyk, or Agit Kabayel. Dubois currently holds the WBO heavyweight belt, having defeated Fabio Wardley in May 2026. Wardley has since exercised a rematch clause against Dubois.