Moses Itauma vs. Filip Hrgovic | DAZN - 29 August 2026

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Helwani got more out of Warren than Kugan usually does.

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Moses Itauma’s next two fights will include facing world champion and making US debut

Moses Itauma will fight twice more this year according to promoter allegedly, who has big plans for the young heavyweight.

Itauma knocked out Jermaine Franklin in a statement win back in March, further boosting his reputation as boxing’s hottest prospect and a champion-in-waiting. Post-fight, Warren said the plan is to fight again in the summer and to capture a world title before the end of the year.

It has since been revealed that the Brit will headline the O2 Arena for the first time on Saturday August 8. The fight – against an as yet unnamed opponent – was pushed back due to a date clash with Anthony Joshua, but will not stop Itauma getting out for a third time if all goes to plan.



Speaking on The Ariel Helwani Show, Warren revealed that Itauma’s third outing of 2026 will be a debut in the United States, in either November or December.

“What I am looking forward to doing this year, and it will happen this year, we will bring him to the [United] States. November/December, we will bring him out. Whatever it is, it will have to be a big fight because he will be making his announcement in person.”



In a seperate interview with TalkSPORT, the Hall of Fame promoter confirmed the world title goal is still alive.

“Moses is gonna fight for the world title this year. Who it’s against, I don’t know yet, but that’s what he’s going to do. By the end of the year he will be facing a world champion.”

Talk now turns to opponents, with Warren saying that the August fight will be announced officially within the next two weeks.

WBA Regular champion Murat Gassiev has been linked to the showdown, and indeed called for it, and presents a clear run at a world title, particularly if Oleksandr Usyk vacates or is stripped of the super belt.

Should that work out for Itauma in August, he would become the second youngest heavyweight world ruler of all time, taking Floyd Patterson’s place behind Mike Tyson’s long-standing record.

New York’s Jarrell Miller is currently the WBA #2 and mandatory challenger, so could be in a good position to then be the opponent for Itauma’s final bout of 2026 in the US.

There are, however, plenty of options for Itauma, who is ranked number one with the WBO and WBA, five with the IBF and three with the WBC.

The WBO are expected to call the young Brit as mandatory challenger this year, meaning he will be ordered to face the winner of Fabio Wardley vs Daniel Dubois, which takes place this weekend in Manchester.

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Warren: August win sets up title shot next for Itauma

Moses Itauma is still a few weeks away from confirmation on who he'll box next, though a big carrot is being dangled ahead of the 21-year-old heavyweight talent.

Seated ringside to watch stablemate Fabio Wardley's bruising WBO heavyweight title fight with Daniel Dubois, the Chatham southpaw was openly rooting for the Ipswich puncher.

Dubois had told media last week that Frank~Warren, who promotes both, was wishing for a Dubois victory to set up an Itauma title fight after his fifth-round stoppage win over Jermaine Franklin on March 28.

While the Hall of Fame promoter refused to be drawn on next steps in the post-fight presser, insisting Dubois needed time to rest, he subtly sowed seeds in a prior fight week interview with BBC's Steve Bunce.

"We've got a couple guys there and will make our decision in a few weeks' time," he replied when asked whether there was an opponent shortlist for Itauma (14-0, 12 KOs).

The originally reported July 25 date has moved back a fortnight to avoid clashing with Anthony Joshua-Kristian Prenga and he will headline London's O2 Arena on August 8, though nothing is signed for an opponent.

Itauma, ranked No. 1 with the WBA and WBO, has been called out by WBA 'regular' champion Murat Gassiev (33-2, 26 KOs) and could pursue either sanctioning body title knowing Ring and unified beltholder Oleksandr Usyk will likely vacate more belts soon. Dubois winning WBO honors means Itauma is now his mandatory challenger.

Warren believes he'll be elevated to No. 1 with the WBC in due course too, although two-time former champion Tyson Fury (35-2-1, 24 KOs) rose top of the list in their May update after his 12-round points win over Arslanbek Makhmudov on April 11. Fury stressed post-fight that he's not interested in anyone not named Joshua or Usyk.

"Listen, I'm not interested in up-and-comers at all. What have I got to prove if I fight some schoolboys in the division? I'm not interested in Daniel Dubois, Moses, all these guys ... they're all great fighters, wish them all the best of luck in the world but let them people — the next generation — fight each other like I had to."

When asked about the plan, should Itauma win his second outing of the year in August, the Queensberry chief's response was unequivocal.

"Moses will box for the world title, provided he wins on August 8, at the end of the year," Warren said.

"100 percent, he'll be number one with the WBC as Lawrence Okolie has his PED situation, he's number one with the WBA and WBO. That's where he's at, how we've guided him and that's the position he's in."

Warren was complimentary of a youngster improving all the time when asked about whether he's seen changes in The Ring's No. 6-rated heavyweight with more attention and spotlight on him.

"He's had the steeliness in him from day one when I first met him. He's gone from being a teenager to a man, matured not just physically but also mentally and he's quite a well-balanced guy, articulate, things things through.

"If he continues on the path that he's on and achieves what we think he can be, he'll be an icon of British sport - not boxing - British sport, he's a very smart kid."

[coneye]

Doubt he'll be in with DD for a while Moses is Franks future and will be looked after , him and DD will be a good one though , DD will catch him and will test him , but theres no way is Moses gonna be swinging and missing like a barn door he's toooooo clever or that and has good footwork and distancing , Personaly i think DD WOULD BE A REAL GOOD FIGHT AND THE FINAL TEST , BUT i also think its a bit early for him to win a world title , , he beats DD where does he go

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Filip Hrgovic being lined up for Moses Itauma in August

Filip Hrgovic goes into his Doncaster contest with Dave Allen on Saturday as a significant favorite and, should the Croat win, another big fight awaits him.

Hrgovic is 19-1 (14 KOs) and has defeated Joe Joyce and David Adeleye in his two fights since his Saudi Arabia loss to Daniel Dubois in June 2024.

The Croat had considered an offer from Zuffa Boxing but, after talking to Queensberry, decided to stick with hall-of-fame promoter, allegedly.

And if Hrgovic comes through the 34-year-old Allen, 25-8-2 (20 KOs), Hrgovic will be in the frame to take on gifted contender Moses Itauma, who is ranked No. 5 by the IBF, No. 1 by the WBA and WBO, and three with the WBC.

Itauma’s next fight will be at London’s O2 Arena in London in August and the streaking contender is expected ringside at Queensberry’s show at the Keepmoat Stadium in Doncaster.

Itauma is 14-0 (12 KOs) and the 21-year-old southpaw is, for many, the heavyweight champion in waiting and, in his last three fights, Itauma stopped Mike Balogun in two rounds, Dillian Whyte in one round and, in March, became the first man to stop Jermaine Franklin.

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Will it be Hrgovic ?

I think most likely.

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George Warren said it’s more or less confirmed.

Just need to sign contracts.

[gregregegg]

Hrg didn’t seem massively keen… nor should he, gotta be a Mabey till they add a bit to the purse to become a yes…

Don’t love that he is cut either. Nothing big but you want it fully healed befor sparring.

It’s the fight to make (if you are very high on Moses, but he still hasn’t been in with an offensive pulse ). Honestly I’d go Moses vs mak… just that one step back in class and then hrg end of the year.

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[golden_labrador]

Hrg didn’t seem massively keen… nor should he, gotta be a Mabey till they add a bit to the purse to become a yes…

Don’t love that he is cut either. Nothing big but you want it fully healed befor sparring.

It’s the fight to make (if you are very high on Moses, but he still hasn’t been in with an offensive pulse ). Honestly I’d go Moses vs mak… just that one step back in class and then hrg end of the year.

Agreed.

I'm still dubious about the cuts Hrg got from DDD (headbutts) and I believe his excuse that he wasn't 100% either before the fight, so while he did lose I'd love to see it re-run rather than feed him to Moses (which could also be a jump too much rn for Itauma).

[joshj909]

Hrgovic was taking a lead before he got gassed/caught too many times. No way Allen had a chance last night. Hrgovic is a real threat to Dubois in a rematch, Itauma and others. His defence is his problem more than anything but he has a solid chin

[keithmoonhangover]

I'm coming out swinging on this. Itauma is a hype job with stamina issues. Hrgovic by stoppage.

[tony1234]

Will it be Hrgovic ?

I think most likely.

Will find out more about Itauma in that fight than the rest of his previous fights together

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HRGOVIC OUTLINES GAMEPLAN TO CHALLENGE 'DIFFERENT LEVEL' ITAUMA

Filip Hrgovic needed three rounds to dispatch of Dave Allen in their Doncaster headliner on Saturday night, before turning his attentions to Moses Itauma.

The Ring's No. 5-rated heavyweight barely broke a sweat against Dave Allen (25-9-2, 20 KOs) and made a conscious effort to set about the home favorite as soon as he saw defensive openings in the first frame.

Allen shipped punishment aplenty before his corner, led by Jamie Moore, had seen enough and compassionately pulled him out 23 seconds before the end of round three at Doncaster's Keepmoat Stadium.

Exactly a week removed from widespread criticism surrounding Team Wardley's inability to pull the plug early against Daniel Dubois, there was to be no repeat as the Yorkshireman was simply outclassed by a far better operator.

During his post-fight interview, the Croatian apologised to a partisan crowd wishing for a fairytale story to have its happy ending.

"I started fast because I saw he was open from the beginning, wanted to finish him fast to make a statement. I wanna fight with anyone in the division, Moses or anyone. I just need to sit with my manager, my team to check if there are any cuts, injuries, give me a mirror George [Warren] and I'll sign the contract now. Sit for a few days and we'll decide, I never run from any opponent."

Sporting a slight nick on his eye and swelling to his lip, Hrgovic doubled down in a dressing room interview with Queensberry.

"I'll fight Moses, just need to make sure everything is right for me. It's already in the contract [he signed a multi-fight extension], he's a really good guy, fast and a big task, one of the best in the division but he's not tested yet. He never received a good punch, never went deep in late rounds so I believe in myself, I'm not favorite in that fight but believe I can beat him."

When asked how different that matchup would look than Allen, who he breezed past, it wasn't even a question.
"Much different, he's on a different level. Much faster, bigger, a really fast southpaw, he'll give me problems ... bad times in the first [few] rounds because of the speed but I see my chance, bringing him into deep waters. Go to the body a lot, make him tired, push him to the limits. He's a big puncher but no-one has ever knocked me out in my life. Great chin, durable and I throw a lot of punches, can give him a big challenge and believe that I can beat him."

He referenced the Dubois defeat in June 2024, one stopped by the doctor after suffering cuts above both eyes, as further evidence of his toughness. Queensberry chief George Warren voiced a natural eagerness to get that fight over the line for a summer headliner at The O2 on August 8.

"Dave was brave but Filip showed his class. As soon as we're in the office next week, we want to get that fight made and announced, keep delivering great fights. He's a world class operator, Moses wants to be world champion — as does Filip — they're gonna have to get it on at some point, why not now?"

Hrgovic, who briefly stated he endured a 'terrible' training camp for this, was glad to get through relatively unscathed and snap the barren run without a stoppage since a first-round blowout of overmatched foe Mark De Mori in December 2023.

Itauma has continued his rapid development and boxed seven times since then, 'El Animal' just four by comparison and this morale-boosting display could see them meet at the best possible time.

[JamesPhilips]

Hrgovic - Itauma is a great match up but unfortunately PPV likely.

I was a bit surprised yesterday at how slow Filip looked, like a big bruiser. Also he seemed to have a small cut at the end if the fight which doesn’t bode well as I can’t remember Allen hitting him.

However Itauma hasn’t had his chin properly tested and Hrg is tough. Moses actually got hurt by a Jermaine Franklin jab which is worrying.

Great fight

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George Warren reveals Moses Itauma vs Filip Hrgovic fight is “done”

George Warren confirms that Moses Itauma vs Filip Hrgovic is all “done” for August

Moses Itauma vs Filip Hrgovic is all set for August 8 at the O2 Arena in London, live on DAZN, according to George Warren.

Following the Croatian’s win over Dave Allen last weekend, the son of allegedly, George, confirmed to IFL TV, “[The contract] is back in the office. It’s done, it’s done.

“When Filip re-signed with Queensberry, he signed with a commitment of certain fights, one of them being Moses, so the terms with Filip are agreed.”

The WBO #2 heavyweight from Zagreb destroyed Doncaster’s Dave Allen in three one-sided rounds on May 16 at the Eco-Power Stadium in the main event of a Queensberry Promotions show.

George Warren was speaking to Kugan Cassius about Hrgovic immediately after the fight finished, “He’s mentioned he’s got a slight nick on his eye, which I think he wants to get checked, I don’t think it looks too bad. The events just finished, I’m just relieved that he has come through because that is the plan, that is the intention is to get those two on in August. For me he looks fit, it’s not like he’s had too tough a night either.”

Filip now has June and July to prepare for a showdown with the WBO #1, “Moses is raring to go. Moses needs to fight. He’s been calling him out. He was almost p*ssed off with us for making this [fight between Dave Allen and Filip Hrgovic] because he’s going, ‘I wanted Hrgovic’.

“Look, it’s there to be done.”

Warren added that Filip is confident in himself to win against ‘The Future of Heavyweight Boxing’, “I think he backs himself. Stellar amateur, he’s been at a higher level and a higher quality of fights than Moses has yet. Maybe he’s getting him on the rise up, rather than when he’s there.”

Warren concluded, “That’s what these guys want, they want big money fights, they want opportunities to try and win world titles. These are the type of fights that you need to do because boxing fans buy tickets for them, boxing fans pay for them on pay-per-view and that’s what makes the world go round.”

[gilgamesh]

Hrgovic - Itauma is a great match up but unfortunately PPV likely.

I was a bit surprised yesterday at how slow Filip looked, like a big bruiser. Also he seemed to have a small cut at the end if the fight which doesn’t bode well as I can’t remember Allen hitting him.

However Itauma hasn’t had his chin properly tested and Hrg is tough. Moses actually got hurt by a Jermaine Franklin jab which is worrying.

Great fight

He did? When did that happen?

[margaret thatcher]

its a good fight for mo

hrg would prob beat everyone moses has faced so far but is still someone moses should beat if hes as good as i think

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Some Predictions

Eddie Hearn, Matchroom Boxing: “I think that Hrgovic is a world-class heavyweight. Is he elite? I think that he is close to it. There was one stage where I think that he was really close to it.

“He is going to fight Itauma now and I think that it is a good fight. I think that Moses will be much too sharp for him, but I think that it is a proper challenge. It’s Moses’ first real test.”

Arijan Goricki, IBO title contender: “My prediction is that fight will be fireworks, but at the end I think that Hrgovic’s experience will be too big for Itauma and that Itauma’s corner will retire him late in the fight.”

Burim Sylejmani, Fides Sports Promotion: “There has been a lot of talk about this fight recently. For me, Moses Itauma is a huge talent in the heavyweight division and he has delivered some very strong performances so far. However, he still hasn’t faced someone from the top level of the division yet. That said, I believe he has a massive future in heavyweight boxing.

“Filip Hrgovic has the greater experience and has faced the stronger names. That’s why I believe this fight comes a little too early for Itauma, and in my opinion Hrgovic will win the fight.”

Tim Rickson, BBN Editor: “This will be a huge fight, the biggest British fight of the summer, for me, despite both Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury fighting in the same timeframe. It’s WBO #1 and #2, so it’s the biggest fight outside of a heavyweight world title fight.

“I think Hrgovic will be a great test for Itauma and I think it will go several rounds. Daniel Dubois landed some huge shots on the Croatian, especially in rounds seven and eight, but he stayed standing until the doctor stopped him on a cut. So, the Croatian is as sturdy as an oak tree.

“Hrgovic is big, fast, experienced, powerful and accurate, especially with that pinpoint right hand of his. I can see the pair standing at range exchanging jabs and straight shots, to start with, but I think Itauma will be quicker and smarter with his shot selection to gradually get on top and dictate the contest.

“The Chatham man is patient and confident in himself, and I think he will be sharp enough to outbox Hrgovic and dominate as the fight goes on. If it’s only 10 rounds then I can see it ending on points, but over 12 I think Itauma stops him. Hrgovic was cut against Dubois and received a little nick in his fight with Dave Allen, so it’s possible that any sustained damage could go against him again.

“You could argue that Hrgovic has experience over Itauma, but so has many of the sparring partners the Brit has beaten up; many world champions have been shocked by his superior skills at such a young age.

“I back the faster, sharper Itauma to win by knockout in the second half of the contest.”

[JamesPhilips]

Hrgovic - Itauma is a great match up but unfortunately PPV likely.

I was a bit surprised yesterday at how slow Filip looked, like a big bruiser. Also he seemed to have a small cut at the end if the fight which doesn’t bode well as I can’t remember Allen hitting him.

However Itauma hasn’t had his chin properly tested and Hrg is tough. Moses actually got hurt by a Jermaine Franklin jab which is worrying.

Great fight

He did? When did that happen?

Go to 4:37
Some say it’s a trip but I thought his legs buckled

[IRONFIST]

Hrgovic tailor-made for Itauma, should stop him within 3 rounds.

[skanksta]

Hrgovic - Itauma is a great match up but unfortunately PPV likely.

I was a bit surprised yesterday at how slow Filip looked, like a big bruiser. Also he seemed to have a small cut at the end if the fight which doesn’t bode well as I can’t remember Allen hitting him.

However Itauma hasn’t had his chin properly tested and Hrg is tough. Moses actually got hurt by a Jermaine Franklin jab which is worrying.

Great fight

He did? When did that happen?

Go to 4:37
Some say it’s a trip but I thought his legs buckled

They did a bit.
Growler called it and Moses acknowledged it to the 989 Assassin.

If Hrg can do that...

[Eolaithe]

I doubt the Itauma-Hrgovic bout is competitive.

The Croat is sturdy, but Iitauma is physically superior and more skilful.

Hrgovic either runs out of gas or is stopped on cuts by round eight, whilst losing every single round on the scorecards.

My prediction is not based on the excessively hyped Itauma’s alleged ability, but more about Hrgovic’s abundantly obvious limitations.

[JamesPhilips]

He did? When did that happen?

Go to 4:37
Some say it’s a trip but I thought his legs buckled

They did a bit.
Growler called it and Moses acknowledged it to the 989 Assassin.

If Hrg can do that...

Yeah. Hrg’s main weaknesses are he cuts very easily, isn’t that hard to hit and is a little slow. But he is very sturdy. After seeing that stutter step I give Filip some chance but Itauma may just bust him up rapidly

[gilgamesh]

Hrgovic - Itauma is a great match up but unfortunately PPV likely.

I was a bit surprised yesterday at how slow Filip looked, like a big bruiser. Also he seemed to have a small cut at the end if the fight which doesn’t bode well as I can’t remember Allen hitting him.

However Itauma hasn’t had his chin properly tested and Hrg is tough. Moses actually got hurt by a Jermaine Franklin jab which is worrying.

Great fight

He did? When did that happen?

Go to 4:37
Some say it’s a trip but I thought his legs buckled

He certainly got hit as he was stepping forward, and it made him kinda have a stutter step there, but it's a bit of an overreach to label that as "he got hurt" I'd say.

A guy getting hurt is unmistakable.