McKenzie on Hrgović: He Can Take Itauma into Deep Waters

Filip Hrgović is about to enter the most important fight of his professional career. The fighter from Sesvete will compete for the vacant world heavyweight title against Britain's Moses Itauma, and former world champion Duke McKenzie believes Hrgović has the tools needed to seriously trouble the favored opponent.

In an interview with talkSPORT Boxing, McKenzie emphasized that this fight is not a passing bout but an opportunity that will define both boxers. "We'll find out how good Moses Itauma really is. I don't think he'll just come out and sweep this guy aside. Two, three, four rounds? I don't see that happening that early because this is a fight for the vacant world heavyweight title," he stated.

Hrgović's Endurance as a Key Factor

The former champion particularly highlighted Hrgović's ability to take a punch and keep going, which could prove crucial in the later rounds. "Hrgović can take a punch. If he gets through those early rounds and takes Itauma into the fourth, fifth, sixth, and later rounds, we'll learn a lot about Moses in this fight," McKenzie said.

He added that the young Brit might, for the first time in his career, have to swim in unfamiliar waters. "He might have to go into deep waters. He might have to show character, which we haven't seen so far. He might have to show what kind of engine he has. He might have to go into the last round," McKenzie analyzed.

The Stone Man from Sesvete

McKenzie did not spare words of praise for the Croatian heavyweight. "One thing can be said about Filip Hrgović, and that is that he is a stone and durable man. He's tough. If cuts stay away from him, he has the endurance needed to take Moses into the later rounds, and then everything becomes interesting," concluded the former world champion.

The fight for the world heavyweight throne between Filip Hrgović and Moses Itauma is scheduled for August 29, 2026, starting at 8 PM.