Moses Itauma is fancied to graduate from hot prospect to world title holder by beating experienced foe Filip Hrgovic at the O2 Arena in London on Saturday night. The 21-year-old bids to become the second-youngest heavyweight champion of all-time behind Mike Tyson by claiming the IBF belt vacated by Oleksandr Usyk .
This is a big test for a relative novice, with promoter Frank Warren admitting: “ I do believe he can win it, but I don’t see this as being an easy job by any means.” Itauma has built up a reputation for blowing away opponents early on, but a more patient approach may be required here, before wearing down Hrgovic in the second half of the contest.
We’re taking 9/4 for the favourite to prevail in rounds 7-12 for our main Moses Itauma vs Filip Hrgovic prediction.
Betting Odds
Moses Itauma vs Filip Hrgovic Betting Odds
Result | Odds | Chance |
|---|---|---|
Itauma | 1/8 | 88.9% |
Hrgovic | 11/2 | 15.4% |
Draw | 22/1 | 4.3% |
*Odds are correct at the time of writing, but subject to change.
Moses Itauma is the 1/8 favourite to beat Filip Hrgovic , who is 11/2 for the win, with the draw at 22/1.
How to Watch
How to watch Moses Itauma vs Filip Hrgovic
The ring walks for this mouth-watering match-up are expected to start at around 22:00 BST and the bout is being broadcast live on DAZN pay-per-view.
Form Guides
Moses Itauma form guide
Itauma was born in Slovakia but moved to Britain as a youngster and had an unbeaten 24-fight amateur career before turning pro. A series of devastating knockouts earned him the title of Prospect of the Year for 2024 by The Ring magazine and he has continued to impress since stepping up in class.
Knocking out Dillian Whyte inside two minutes elevated Itauma to a new level and in his 14 th professional fight he became the first boxer to stop American Jermaine Franklin via a superb fifth-round uppercut in Manchester this March.
The Chatham -based southpaw insists he is ready to come through a “long night” with Hrgovic but chillingly warned that going the full distance is not Plan A. “Nobody comes to watch heavyweights and see two guys go to points,” said Itauma , with a menacing smile. “If you are watching the heavyweight division, you want to see some knockouts.”
For those seeking a bit more value, Itauma to get the job done in rounds 7-9 can be backed at 10/3.
Filip Hrgovic form guide
Croatian 34-year-old Hrgovic has only had seven more bouts than Itauma in the paid ranks but he can also boast a stellar CV from his time as an amateur. Gold medals at the Youth World Championships and the European Championships were followed by bronze at the 2016 Olympics in Rio.
As a pro, El Animal rattled off 17 straight wins, with decent names like Kevin Johnson, Eric Molina and Zhilei Zhang featuring on his list of victims. Many observers then had Hrgovic ahead on points against Daniel Dubois at the halfway point of their clash in Saudi Arabia , but he was stopped in the eighth round due to cuts.
To his credit, Hrgovic has bounced back with wins over British trio Joe Joyce, David Adeleye and David Allen to establish himself as a genuine top-10 contender. However, whether his technical soundness, backed up by a slight height and reach advantage, will be enough to fend off the speed and power of Itauma is doubtful.
In the BOYLE Sports Invent A Bet list , we like 11/10 for at least two knockdowns in the fight and Itauma to win.
Betting Tips
Itauma vs Hrgovic Betting Tips
Moses Itauma to win in rounds 7-12 @ 9/4
Moses Itauma to win in rounds 7-9 @ 10/3
At least two knockdowns & Itauma to win @ 11/10
Simply click/tap on the above betting tips to add to your betslip.
Bet on Boxing Odds at BOYLE Sports
*Prices are subject to fluctuation
Remember, Always Gamble Responsibly
Not all opinions are equal. The BOYLE Sports Team is made up of experts who know the sports and betting world inside out, delivering the kind of insights and analysis that give you a real edge where it matters most.
