Moses Itauma takes on Filip Hrgovic in a heavyweight world title fight tonight at the O2 Arena – here’s everything you need to know ahead of the blockbuster bout
Moses Itauma’s maiden world title shot takes place this evening against Filip Hrgovic as the British heavyweight sensation prepares for the biggest night of his career for the vacant IBF world title.
The 21-year-old has experienced a spectacular ascent in boxing circles since turning professional more than three years ago. Following knockout victories over the likes of Mariusz Wach, Demsey McKean and Mike Balogun, the Chatham fighter proved he belonged at the top tier with consecutive stoppage triumphs against Dillian Whyte and Jermaine Franklin.
Tonight he’ll be aiming to become the second youngest heavyweight world champion, behind Mike Tyson, with victory over Hrgovic. However, the experienced Croat can write himself in the history books by becoming his country’s first heavyweight champion.
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The 34-year-old has been on an impressive streak since enduring his maiden professional defeat to Daniel Dubois three years ago. Hrgovic has subsequently defeated British fighters Joe Joyce, David Adeleye and Dave Allen to set himself up for another shot at the title.
Here, the Daily Star Sport looks at everything you need to know for the blockbuster bout.
What time does Moses Itauma vs Filip Hrgovic start tonight?
Moses Itauma and Filip Hrgovic will clash later this evening at the O2 Arena in London, England. The opening bout is scheduled to commence at around 4:00pm UK time (11am ET / 10am CT / 8am PT).
The main card is set to begin at 6.30pm UK time (1:30pm ET / 12:30pm CT / 10:30am CT). In the headline fight, Hrgovic will likely make his entrance first at roughly 10pm UK time (5pm ET / 4pm CT / 2pm PT) with Itauma expected to follow straight after.
The two fighters will then touch gloves before the opening bell rings. All bout times are subject to alteration and will depend on how long the undercard takes to finish.
How to watch Moses Itauma vs Filip Hrgovic fight
Tonight’s mouth-watering clash between Itauma and Hrgovic will be broadcast live on DAZN pay-per-view – at a cost of £24.99. The event will be shown on DAZN in over 200 countries worldwide via a DAZN subscription.
An annual Super Saver subscription is a one-off payment of £119.99 / $224.99 for 12 months or £14.99 / $19.99 per month should customers wish to pay in monthly instalments, while a Monthly Flexible pass – which can be cancelled at any time – costs £24.99 / $29.99 per month.
Full fight card
- Moses Itauma vs Filip Hrgovic
- Constantin Ursu vs Ben Vaughan
- Sam Noakes vs Denys Berinchyk
- Nelson Hysa vs Thomas Narmo
- Aloys Youmbi vs Sherif Musah
- Tony Curtis vs Imad Naseeb
- Arbnor Jashari vs Numan Hussain
- Guido Vianello vs Moses Jolly
- Frankie Wood vs Callum Lee
- Sam King vs Jack Swallow
- Zayn Ahmed vs Liam Fitzmaurice
- Hassan Ishaq vs Enzo Bahiano Munoz
Fighters’ quotes
Moses Itauma: “I’ve always wanted to start off like Mike Tyson but don’t end up how Mike Tyson ended up. But now I’m in the shoes that Mike Tyson was, as in all the fame and accolades at such a young age, I’m starting to see and realise why he fell off the way he did. I just don’t want to make the same mistakes he made. I’m wrapping my head around these things and I guess that’s why I’m so heavily into books because I ain’t never been in this position before. There is such thing as too early, but I’m taking necessary precautions to handle it the way I believe I should.”
Filip Hrgovic: “I am just telling you facts. I am not playing any games. I just tell you what I think in the moment. Like I said, I am not so smart to play these mind games. I think he is a kid, he is not mature enough and I think I am the man. I am a much better age, much more experience and yeah, that is it. No mind games. God willing you know I will beat him, I’ll smash the kid on Saturday and send him back to high school.”