LONDON — IBF heavyweight champion Filip Hrgovic has identified Moses Itauma as the most formidable opponent of his career. Despite securing a ninth-round stoppage victory over Itauma in August, the Croatian heavyweight conceded that the younger fighter’s technical attributes presented the greatest challenge he has encountered in the ring.
Speaking to Ariel Helwani, Hrgovic praised Itauma’s tactical approach, stating, “I think he’s very good. He’s maybe the best who I fought. The quickest guy, the best IQ, the best timing and speed.” While acknowledging Itauma’s superior ring craft, Hrgovic noted that he did not possess the same level of raw power as other opponents, adding, “He’s not the biggest puncher. I received harder punches from Dubois, from Adeleye and from Zhang.”
Hrgovic’s assessment follows a series of high-profile bouts, including his 2024 encounter with Daniel Dubois. That match ended in an eighth-round stoppage defeat for Hrgovic after he sustained cuts over both eyes. Conversely, his victory over Itauma saw him overcome an early knockdown to secure the world title. The Croatian also holds a unanimous decision victory over David Adeleye and a points win over Zhilei Zhang, the latter of which also involved a first-round knockdown.