Itauma Fires Back at Hrgovic's Taunts Ahead of Heavyweight Title Clash
Moses Itauma has responded to Filip Hrgovic’s recent jabs, labeling him a “delusional kid” as they gear up for their IBF world heavyweight title fight on Saturday night at the O2 Arena in London. Itauma expressed his frustration, stating, “He’s starting to wind me up,” referencing Hrgovic’s comments about him hugging trees. Itauma reflected on Hrgovic’s tactic of psychological warfare, suggesting that the Croatian’s need to provoke indicates a lack of confidence. “Hrgovic is a talker,” he noted, recalling how Hrgovic previously targeted Daniel Dubois in a similar manner. He believes this style of taunting is rooted in Hrgovic's insecurities. If victorious, Itauma, aged 21, would become the second-youngest heavyweight champion in history, trailing only Mike Tyson. Hrgovic, however, warned that winning the title at such a young age could be detrimental to Itauma’s personal growth, claiming, “It can ruin your soul.” He suggested that fame and fortune might lead Itauma astray, emphasizing the dangers of early success. Despite acknowledging some truth in Hrgovic's concerns about fame, Itauma remains unfazed. He stated, “I wouldn’t say he has a point, but if I win this fight it might not be good for my soul.” Itauma is determined to fight for victory regardless of the potential consequences. Hrgovic, with a professional record of 9 years and only one loss, asserted that his life experiences have shaped him into a resilient competitor. He declared, “I’m like a rock. Stable. Nothing can move me,” as he prepares for the showdown on Saturday.
Source: The Guardian Sport - 2026-08-25