Hrgović Gets Second Chance at World Title
Filip Hrgović will face young British prospect Moses Itauma on August 29 at London's O2 Arena for the vacant IBF heavyweight world title.
Filip Hrgović will face young British prospect Moses Itauma on August 29 at London's O2 Arena for the vacant IBF heavyweight world title.
Croatia's top heavyweight Filip Hrgović (34) has been given a second chance to climb to the top of the boxing world. According to information published by the reputable American sports media outlet ESPN, and confirmed by other sources, Hrgović will face Moses Itauma (21) on August 29, 2026, at the prestigious O2 Arena in London, with the vacant IBF world title on the line.
The news was confirmed to BBC Sport by Itauma's promoter, Frank Warren of Queensberry Promotions, putting an end to weeks of speculation about the fight. The belt became vacant after Oleksandr Usyk relinquished it in June 2026.
Hrgović faces an extremely challenging task. Itauma is considered the future ruler of the heavyweight division and boasts an impressive professional record. Although sources differ on the exact number of wins, according to Index.hr, he has a record of 14 wins with 12 knockouts, while Večernji list reports he has won all 16 of his professional bouts, with 14 of those coming by knockout.
"Many people have high expectations of him, and so do I. We signed him when he was 16. He was an amateur, we sponsored him, and he turned professional with us. He is incredible and has, in a way, taken the boxing world by storm. This is a big moment for him, but I am confident he can achieve it," said promoter Frank Warren.
On the other hand, Hrgović, the Olympic bronze medalist from Rio 2016, has a professional record of 20 wins and one loss. In his last outing, in May 2026, he stopped Britain's Dave Allen in the third round. Itauma, meanwhile, defeated American Jermaine Franklin in the fifth round in March of this year, and in August 2025, he stopped compatriot Dillian Whyte in the very first round.
Initially, Itauma was ordered to begin negotiations with Cuba's Frank Sanchez for the vacant title, with a deadline of July 29. Sanchez, however, agreed to step aside. "We paid Sanchez a certain amount. We told him that whoever wins, he won't be at a loss and will get a chance to fight for the title against the winner," Warren explained.
This will be Hrgović's second opportunity to win a world title. Two years ago, he fought Britain's Daniel Dubois for the interim champion status, also under the IBF banner. In that fight, he was defeated by stoppage in the eighth round, after the doctor did not allow the fight to continue due to cuts on his face.
"We know Hrgović will give his all. When he is at 100 percent, he is a tough challenge for anyone," said Warren, aware that the experienced Croatian fighter is coming to London for a win that would bring him the greatest achievement of his career.
