Itauma admits rival's comments are getting under his skin
Moses Itauma says Filip Hrgovic's taunts are beginning to annoy him ahead of their IBF heavyweight title fight. The 21-year-old British boxer could become the second youngest heavyweight champion in history with a win. Hrgovic has called Itauma a 'kid' and suggested losing would save his soul.
Itauma enters Saturday's bout at the O2 Arena with a perfect 14-0 professional record, having stopped 12 of his opponents. A victory would place him behind only Mike Tyson in the record books for youngest heavyweight champion, a remarkable achievement given his debut came less than four years ago.
The 34-year-old Hrgovic has leaned heavily on psychological tactics, questioning his younger rival's maturity and suggesting fame could corrupt him. Itauma acknowledges the Croatian's words are having an effect, though he frames Hrgovic's trash talk as a sign of insecurity rather than genuine confidence.
This fight could reshape the heavyweight division's immediate future, as a young champion would alter the landscape of title bouts for years. The psychological warfare on display may also influence how fans and fighters view pre-fight promotion, with mental games becoming as scrutinized as physical preparation. Younger audiences could find inspiration in Itauma's rapid rise, while the outcome may affect Hrgovic's career trajectory and legacy.