British boxer Moses Itauma is set to challenge Filip Hrgovic for the vacant IBF world heavyweight title in London on August 29. The 21-year-old will have the opportunity to become the second youngest world heavyweight champion, a feat previously achieved by Mike Tyson.
Itauma initially stated he had no strong reaction to the fight being upgraded to a world title bout, saying, "I was like, if I’m fighting Hrgovic and I’ve got the opportunity for it to be a world title, then yeah, chuck it on the line." He added that he is still taking Hrgovic seriously.
Boxing pundit Teddy Atlas, who helped train Mike Tyson, praised Itauma, stating, "That’s the first heavyweight that actually matches Tyson’s combination of speed and power." Itauma expressed surprise at Atlas's comparison, noting Atlas's past animosity with Tyson.
Itauma acknowledged the increasing public attention, stating, "I don’t actually want to be under the bright lights. But, with the way I’m going, it looks like I ain’t got no choice." He also issued a warning to himself regarding the upcoming fight, saying, "If I don’t get past Hrgovic, there ain’t gonna be no stadium fights or nothing."