“Moses is fighting in Manchester, we’re going to announce it,” Warren said Sky Sports.
“He’s fighting a top 10 heavyweight, we expect to get the fight we want over the line.
“Another great heavyweight fight. This division is on fire.”
The possibility of Hrgovic created immediate debate because it would represent a dramatic increase in risk compared to the opposition Itauma faced during his 14-0 professional run.
Itauma has been dominant thus far, stopping 12 of his 14 opponents, but much of his opposition has consisted of older heavyweights, faded veterans or limited fighters selected to build experience and momentum. His recent wins have come against Jermaine Franklin (32), Dillian Whyte (37), Mike Balogun (41), Demsey McKean (34) and Mariusz Wach, who was in his mid-40s when they fought.
The concern for some fans is less about Itauma’s offensive talent and more about what happens once he’s forced into a long physical battle against a durable heavyweight capable of absorbing punishment and continuing to push forward. This is where Hrgovic becomes a very different assignment.
The Croatian contender’s only professional loss came against Daniel Dubois in 2024, but Dubois had to take heavy punishment before finally stopping him in the eighth round. Hrgovic landed major right hands throughout the fight and remained dangerous even late.
Jermaine Franklin also briefly upset Itauma in March, a moment that received renewed attention because Franklin is not considered a devastating heavyweight puncher. Hrgovic is widely regarded as the harder puncher, and unlike many of Itauma’s previous opponents, he is likely to survive long enough to test the 21-year-old’s durability over several rounds.
If Queensberry ends up taking the fight, it will be the first time Itauma faces a heavyweight who is expected to push him back physically and force him into the type of tough exchanges that have been largely absent in his professional career thus far.
