The Croatian says his August 29 fight with Moses Itauma includes a contractual guarantee of a WBO heavyweight title shot if he wins
Filip Hrgovic says his path back to heavyweight gold is already written into his contract. The Croatian revealed that defeating Moses Itauma on August 29 will earn him a shot at Daniel Dubois and the WBO heavyweight championship, adding title stakes to one of the division’s biggest fights of the summer.
The 33-year-old faces the unbeaten Itauma at London’s O2 Arena on August 29 in what he believes is the biggest test of his comeback following last year’s loss to Dubois. Speaking to reporters, Hrgovic said the opportunity awaiting him makes the fight even more significant.
“It’s in the contract that if I beat Moses, I’ll challenge the WBO champion,” Hrgovic said. “But now it’s a big test in front of me so I must take care of Itauma. Stylistically, it’s a harder fight because he’s quicker and southpaw.
“Dubois has much more achievements, he’s a two-time world champion. But stylistically, Itauma is a trickier fighter.
“But now, I’m sorry, but I will need to beat your guy. Your next big hope who everybody thinks is the next big thing.”
Hrgovic is riding a three-fight winning streak since suffering the first defeat of his professional career against Dubois in June 2024. Since then, he has rebounded with victories over Joe Joyce, David Adeleye and Dave Allen to move himself back into world title contention.
Dubois captured the WBO heavyweight title with his victory over Fabio Wardley in May, making a rematch with Hrgovic a realistic possibility if the Croatian can hand Itauma the first defeat of his career. The August 29 clash at the O2 Arena is widely viewed as a major step for the 20-year-old prospect, while Hrgovic sees it as the final hurdle before another shot at heavyweight gold.