LONDON — IBF heavyweight champion Filip Hrgovic has offered a significant endorsement of Moses Itauma’s long-term prospects following their recent world title clash. Hrgovic, who secured a ninth-round stoppage victory after weathering an early onslaught from the challenger, insists that the 21-year-old remains the future of the division.
Itauma had entered the contest as a significant favourite, dominating the opening six or seven rounds with superior speed and combinations. However, the Briton began to fatigue in his first scheduled twelve-round bout, allowing the seasoned Croatian to seize control. Reflecting on the bout during a broadcast, Hrgovic stated, “This is the future. This guy will be undisputed in a few years. No-one will ever beat him if he comes back mentally.”
Itauma’s team, led by promoter Frank Warren, are currently organising a return to the ring for the heavyweight, with a comeback fight targeted for January. The focus remains on securing durable opponents who can provide valuable rounds to address the exhaustion issues that contributed to his first professional defeat.
Hrgovic is now preparing for a mandatory defence of his IBF title against Cuba’s Frank Sanchez. While the champion has expressed his intention to pursue further unification bouts, the possibility of a future rematch with Itauma remains contingent on the young heavyweight’s ability to climb back into title contention.