Itauma says Hrgovic's taunts are getting under his skin ahead of IBF title bout
Moses Itauma says Filip Hrgovic's provocations are beginning to affect him as they gear up for their IBF heavyweight world title fight at London's O2 Arena, where a win would make Itauma the division's second-youngest champion.
Ahead of their IBF heavyweight world title clash at the O2 Arena on Saturday, Moses Itauma said Filip Hrgovic's taunts are beginning to wind him up. The British fighter, favored to win, pointed out that Hrgovic has called him a "kid" and "inexperienced" and joked about his habit of hugging trees. Itauma acknowledged the provocations but suggested they stem from Hrgovic's lack of confidence.
Hrgovic, who is 13 years older, has been attempting to get inside Itauma's mind with these remarks. A victory would crown the 21-year-old as the second-youngest heavyweight champion after Mike Tyson. Itauma's rapid ascent includes a professional debut under four years ago and a record of 14 bouts, with knockouts in all but two. He dismissed any notion of fighting for reasons beyond winning, emphasizing his focus on the title.
Why it matters
The fight could crown a historic young champion and shape the heavyweight division's future.
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