Moses Itauma vs. Filip Hrgovic | DAZN - 8 August 2026?

[dbf]

If miller wins I think that is a good fight for Moses and will get him rounds. But, doubt miller would take it, as he’ll be looking at bigger fights.

Hrgivic if he has an easy night against Allen or maybe Bakole if he can get in shape but he’s turned it down once apparently

[Coco]

If miller wins I think that is a good fight for Moses and will get him rounds. But, doubt miller would take it, as he’ll be looking at bigger fights.

Hrgivic if he has an easy night against Allen or maybe Bakole if he can get in shape but he’s turned it down once apparently

Bakole will take it if the money is there

[joshj909]

If miller wins I think that is a good fight for Moses and will get him rounds. But, doubt miller would take it, as he’ll be looking at bigger fights.

Hrgivic if he has an easy night against Allen or maybe Bakole if he can get in shape but he’s turned it down once apparently

Forgot about Miller. Miller's fight is a WBA eliminator so I imagine he's paying the fees for a reason. Winner will either face Gassiev or have a final eliminator against someone else like Itauma.

[Taansend]

Makhmudov. An early ko is great publicity.

Good call.

Or Ajagba.

Probably too soon for Torrez if he comes through Sanchez.

[gilgamesh]

Makhmudov. An early ko is great publicity.

Good call.

Or Ajagba.

Probably too soon for Torrez if he comes through Sanchez.

Ajagba is with Zuffa. He's either fighting Jai Opetaia in his Heavyweight debut or fighting no big fights until his contract is up.

[Taansend]

Makhmudov. An early ko is great publicity.

Good call.

Or Ajagba.

Probably too soon for Torrez if he comes through Sanchez.

Ajagba is with Zuffa. He's either fighting Jai Opetaia in his Heavyweight debut or fighting no big fights until his contract is up.

Cheers. Is Jai ready to move the leap now?

[gilgamesh]

I think he certainly could, I don't know if he's going to though. We'll have to stay tuned to Ruthless_RKO's posts of what's coming next. He'll let us know.

[Sammy Scaff]

Michael Hunter? Never been in danger of a stoppage, a wily veteran who stays in shape and will travel for a decent purse
Maybe not well known to casuals but does have some good selling points if promoted properly.

[joshj909]

Michael Hunter? Never been in danger of a stoppage, a wily veteran who stays in shape and will travel for a decent purse
Maybe not well known to casuals but does have some good selling points if promoted properly.

Went from prospect to irrelevant at heavyweight without losing a fight. A win over bakole and draw against Povetkin yet still didn't actually push for a big fight. I don't think anyone should waste their time trying to get him in the ring with them.

[keithmoonhangover]

I can guarantee that it will be either someone currently contracted to Queensbury or someone who's out of contract.

[BigEars]

I very much doubt it'd happen, but I'd love to see him take on Labinot Xhoxhaj for the European title.

Yes he'd probably blow him away, but even the selling point of "Look what he's just done to the European champion, now let's see him in with genuine World class fighters", and continue building the hype.

[881073]

I'd like to see him against Mourad Aliev, relatively unknown, pretty big, never been KO, I think that could be fun.

[Sammy Scaff]

Michael Hunter? Never been in danger of a stoppage, a wily veteran who stays in shape and will travel for a decent purse
Maybe not well known to casuals but does have some good selling points if promoted properly.

Went from prospect to irrelevant at heavyweight without losing a fight. A win over bakole and draw against Povetkin yet still didn't actually push for a big fight. I don't think anyone should waste their time trying to get him in the ring with them.

Has had a few fights cancelled on him usually the other guy's fault.
Has travelled to the back of beyond for a paycheck in the past. He'd do it IMO.

[keithmoonhangover]

Michael Hunter? Never been in danger of a stoppage, a wily veteran who stays in shape and will travel for a decent purse
Maybe not well known to casuals but does have some good selling points if promoted properly.

Went from prospect to irrelevant at heavyweight without losing a fight. A win over bakole and draw against Povetkin yet still didn't actually push for a big fight. I don't think anyone should waste their time trying to get him in the ring with them.

Has had a few fights cancelled on him usually the other guy's fault.
Has travelled to the back of beyond for a paycheck in the past. He'd do it IMO.

Similar career to his dad.

[joshj909]

Michael Hunter? Never been in danger of a stoppage, a wily veteran who stays in shape and will travel for a decent purse
Maybe not well known to casuals but does have some good selling points if promoted properly.

Went from prospect to irrelevant at heavyweight without losing a fight. A win over bakole and draw against Povetkin yet still didn't actually push for a big fight. I don't think anyone should waste their time trying to get him in the ring with them.

Has had a few fights cancelled on him usually the other guy's fault.
Has travelled to the back of beyond for a paycheck in the past. He'd do it IMO.

The problem is that he hasn't bounced back to take other fights when they get cancelled on him. He then started looking at pseudo-boxing events rather than aiming for titles.

[Cyclops]

I'd like to see him against Mourad Aliev, relatively unknown, pretty big, never been KO, I think that could be fun.

Aliev is very poor. He was trying to Ben Whittaker himself out of the ring against Labinot Xhoxhaj.

[881073]

I'd like to see him against Mourad Aliev, relatively unknown, pretty big, never been KO, I think that could be fun.

Aliev is very poor. He was trying to Ben Whittaker himself out of the ring against Labinot Xhoxhaj.

I think he has a chin and doesn't seem like much of a threat, so ideal for someone who is new and young should be dragged into the later rounds.

[Ruthless-RKO]

Moses Itauma’s next opponent could be decided by two upcoming fights

Though Anthony Joshua, who returns against unknown Kristian Prenga on July 25 in Saudi Arabia, is making headlines in the heavyweight division, the next fight of Moses Itauma – set for the same date – looks certain to be a more intriguing affair.

With the O2 in London booked, Boxing Scene has learned that his team are in no rush to lock down an opponent for the fast-rising 21-year-old. Two upcoming fights, and their consequences, will be closely monitored before a decision is made.

On May 9, Fabio Wardley defends his WBO title against Daniel Dubois, two more Queensberry heavyweights, and with the 14-0 (12 KOs) Itauma sitting No. 1 with the sanctioning body he could be mandated for the winner. Wardley, it should be noted, is not only a promotional stablemate of Itauma, but they also have the same trainer in Ben Davison.

More interesting to Team Itauma is likely the status of the WBC belt. Two weeks later, on May 23, Oleksandr Usyk defends the title against the wildly undeserving Rico Verhoeven. Itauma is currently No. 2 in those rankings but it’s expected that a request will be made to move to the top spot following the recent drug-test failure of Lawrence Okolie, the existing No. 1.

Another Queensberry heavyweight, Agit Kabayel, wears the WBC interim belt. Boxing Scene understands that the sanctioning body will order Usyk – presuming he beats Verhoeven – to next defend against Kabayel. Should the Ukrainian, who also owns IBF and WBA belts, decide against facing Kabayel then the German could be upgraded and Itauma installed as his first challenger.

This could all be about timing, too. Should Team Itauma make their choice too early then they run the risk of losing their position in certain rankings. For example, if Itauma opens negotiations to challenge for the WBO title then he would likely be removed from rival organisations’ rankings.

Itauma, who in March stopped Jermaine Franklin in five rounds, is also No. 1 with the WBA but the chaotic belt situation – Usyk has got one, so too Murat Gassiev – does not represent an appealing route.

A decision was also made not to chase the IBF title. The youngster, currently fifth in those rankings, was ordered to engage in an eliminator with Frank Sanchez but, with the IBF currently not in line to enforce a mandatory on multiple-belt-holder Usyk, there were concerns that Itauma would be waiting a long time for his shot.

Another potential opponent, whom Itauma himself has stated he wants, is Filip Hrgovic. The Croatian is expected to defeat Dave Allen on May 16 but it seems unlikely he’ll immediately return to camp to prepare for Itauma. Furthermore, it’s understood that Itauma’s handlers are focused on providing a title shot as soon as possible and Hrgovic, though highly ranked, does not currently own a belt.

[joshj909]

If Itauma wants a title shot as soon as possible he'd demand one from Frank. Frank has Kabayel, Wardley and Dubois. I think the case is that either Frank or Itauma don't actually think he's ready yet.

Itauma and Hrgovic (also Queensbury) are ranked 1 & 2 with the WBO which seems realistic for a shot at Dubois should Dubois win.

The IBF rankings will have Itauma/Jalolov/Okolie(Queensbury)/Hrgovic have an eliminator to face the Torrez/Sanchez winner for a shot at Usyk's belt.

Kabayel is sitting on his ass waiting for Usyk who may never fight him. Itauma is ranked 2 behind Okolie so a final eliminator could arise if Usyk doesn't choose Kabayel.

Itauma is WBA #1 and has a WBA ruling to be mandatory for Gassiev should he want it.

Most of those guys are Frank's guys and the others will be mandated to fight him. He can practically choose who he wants but he should spend his time taking fights rather than sitting around thinking about it as he has the past year.

[margaret thatcher]

If miller wins I think that is a good fight for Moses and will get him rounds. But, doubt miller would take it, as he’ll be looking at bigger fights.

Hrgivic if he has an easy night against Allen or maybe Bakole if he can get in shape but he’s turned it down once apparently

Bakole will take it if the money is there

several fighters/managers/promoters have said bakoles been difficult to work with and isnt as nearly gung ho for fights as he likes to project

[Ruthless-RKO]

Moses Itauma now looking to win heavyweight world championship 'as soon as possible'

Moses Itauma is only 21 years old, but he wants to win a heavyweight world title before the end of the year; His trainer Ben Davison says Itauma is ready to compete at the top of the division: "I've seen enough in the fights where if these guys can't do the rounds, it is what it is"

Moses Itauma will look to win a world heavyweight title "as soon as possible," his trainer Ben Davison says.

Itauma has already moved quickly for a precocious 21-year-old heavyweight prospect. In his last two fights Itauma has blasted through Dillian Whyte, the former world title challenger, in just one round and most recently ruthlessly dispatched Jermaine Franklin inside five rounds.

For Itauma's training team that is enough to satisfy them that he is now ready for the highest level of competition in the heavyweight division.

"I think the goal now is to get him a world champion as soon as possible. I think that's the goal that we're looking at," his trainer Ben Davison told Sky Sports.

"I can't say too much because it's Queensberry Promotions' job, allegedly's job, George Warren, but I think that's the goal."

Itauma is looking to pick up that silverware before the end of this year. "He wants to be a world champion before he's 22," Davison said.

"He's in a very positive position with a number of the organisations, the sanctioning bodies, so it might be a case of someone might have to vacate or fight."

Itauma is early in his pro career. He's only had 14 professional bouts and won 12 of those inside the distance.

"It's just risk versus reward with matchmaking with Moses," Davison said. "Experience will come along the way. We've tried with opponents to get rounds and I think we're at the point now where we've seen enough.

"I've seen enough in the gym, I've seen enough in the fights where if these guys aren't capable of doing the rounds, it is what it is."

Davison wouldn't hesitate to put Itauma in with Agit Kabayel for a WBC title. "He's at that level now where it's risk versus reward, so if there's a world title on the line I think we're all in," the trainer said.

His route could become complicated by being made the mandatory challenger for the WBO heavyweight title. That belt is held by Itauma's gymmate, Fabio Wardley.

Wardley will fight Daniel Dubois on May 9. If he prevails, Davison still doesn't anticipate Itauma having to fight Wardley.

"We have to be realistic. If Fabio wins, [unified champion Oleksandr] Usyk's come out and said he would fight Fabio. If the WBO called a mandatory the reality is Fabio would probably vacate that belt to get the Usyk fight," the trainer said. "Equally a unification should override even a mandatory defence.

"So I can't see that situation being an issue to be honest."

[Coco]

If miller wins I think that is a good fight for Moses and will get him rounds. But, doubt miller would take it, as he’ll be looking at bigger fights.

Hrgivic if he has an easy night against Allen or maybe Bakole if he can get in shape but he’s turned it down once apparently

Bakole will take it if the money is there

several fighters/managers/promoters have said bakoles been difficult to work with and isnt as nearly gung ho for fights as he likes to project

All depends on the money, he was happy to turn up in Saudi

[joshj909]

Bakole will take it if the money is there

several fighters/managers/promoters have said bakoles been difficult to work with and isnt as nearly gung ho for fights as he likes to project

All depends on the money, he was happy to turn up in Saudi

In that case he should do some work to make himself worth the money like showing up in shape, winning big fights, being active and not sharing inappropriate videos on social media.

[Coco]

several fighters/managers/promoters have said bakoles been difficult to work with and isnt as nearly gung ho for fights as he likes to project

All depends on the money, he was happy to turn up in Saudi

In that case he should do some work to make himself worth the money like showing up in shape, winning big fights, being active and not sharing inappropriate videos on social media.

I doubt he would go that far

[Ruthless-RKO]

Moses Itauma’s next bout pushed back slightly due to Anthony Joshua-Kristian Prenga

Heavyweight contender Moses Itauma was originally supposed to fight on July 25 at The O2 Arena in London, England, but that main event is being pushed back a couple of weeks, according to Frank~Warren of Queensberry Promotions.

Warren, speaking Monday on The Ariel Helwani Show, says the new date will be Saturday, August 8, still at the same venue.

The move is because of Anthony Joshua’s return being announced for July 25. Although Joshua’s match with Kristian Prenga will take place in another country – in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia – it will also stream on DAZN and would very much compete for viewers among U.K. and global boxing fans.

Warren said that while he was initially upset at Joshua-Prenga landing on July 25, he recognized there was no point in fighting it.

“We could’ve gone into a head to head and all this crap, but it is what it is,” Warren, whose company earlier this year threatened legal action against Saudi Arabia’s Sela, told Helwani. “We’ll just move forward and keep moving forward. We’ve got a great, great show we’ll have on the 8th.”

Warren also acknowledged that his role as Tyson Fury’s promoter comes into play as well, given that Joshua-Prenga is meant to set up AJ’s long-awaited clash with The Gypsy King.

Itauma, 14-0 (12 KOs), is coming off a fifth-round technical knockout of Jermaine Franklin Jnr in March at the Co-op Live in Manchester, England. As for Itauma’s next opponent, Warren wouldn’t tip his hand when asked:

“We’re working on a couple of names,” Warren responded. “Until the contract’s signed, I don’t like saying.”