Hrgovic questioned why so many fans were predicting a one-sided victory for the undefeated British candidate.

“People say Moses can win? People say Moses will destroy me, man,” Hrgovic told Queensberry Promotions, discussing the 21-year-old Itauma.

“Because it’s called working in the media. They praise him very much. He had a few knockouts, but the whole world is talking about him,” Hrgovic said.

“If he was from Bulgaria, no one would talk about him.”

Hrgovic acknowledged Itauma’s talent, pointing to his speed, southpaw attitude and explosiveness, but suggested much of the attention was due to Britain’s ability to promote youthful players.

“You are the best in the industry, the biggest boxing crowd in the world and you know how to sell products,” Hrgovic said.

“People like to have heroes. That’s why you always have to have a hero, and people see him as the fresh substantial heavyweight, like the fresh Mike Tyson, like the fresh hero.”

“It’s my job to end this.”

The 34-year-old also rejected suggestions that he was approaching the end of his career, claiming that despite twenty years spent in sport he remains in excellent physical shape.

“I’m still going up. I haven’t started going down yet,” Hrgovic said.

“I’m 34 now. I’m not youthful. I’m not elderly for heavyweight either. So I think I’m at my best in age, experience, and yet speed and power.”

While Itauma has quickly become one of the most talked about heavyweight prospects in boxing, Hrgovic will represent a significant step up in the competition. The former IBF mandatory challenger has wins over the likes of Zhilei Zhang, Demsey McKean and Joe Joyce, and has shared the ring with elite heavyweights throughout his career.

The winner of the August 29 event is expected to position himself for a major heavyweight bout, with Itauma looking to cement his status as a future world title challenger and Hrgovic aiming to halt the momentum behind one of the sport’s fastest rising stars.

Atif Oberlton believes the featherlight heavyweight division is within reach and says a world title shot may not be far away as he continues his climb up the rankings.

The undefeated southpaw from Philadelphia has posted a 16-0 record with 14 knockouts and continues to climb the rankings at 175 pounds.

Despite growing interest, Oberlton insists he’s taking things one step at a time.

“I fight one at a time. I trust my team and promoters to guide me in the right direction,” Oberlton told World Boxing News.

“In my division I am fifth in the WBA rankings, one in the US and ninth in the world on Boxrec. The division is shallow, I see it as wide open and I see that I am a few fights away from a world title.”

“Open Season”

While Oberlton doesn’t name specific names, he has made it clear he sees opportunities across the league beyond the established champions.

“You have the best guys with equipment and we are starting the open season.

“I know I’m the top guy in the division and whoever else they think is the top guy, put him in front of me.

“I only focus on the guy in front of me because he’s in my way. If you’re not in my way, you’re not in the conversation.”

Oberlton has no doubt where he belongs in the division and says he’s ready for whoever comes before him.

Stay energetic

The only thing Oberlton doesn’t want is inaction.

The 27-year-old has made a quick comeback after recent victories and says his main priority as he continues to climb the rankings is to stay busy.

“I just fought in February on the Claressa Shields card and fought in May in the main event, which is already a quick turnaround.

“My plan is to stay energetic and fight as much as I can to keep climbing the rankings.

“I have an announcement, so stay tuned.”

The influence of Salita and Wynn

Oberlton also credited Salita Promotions and Wynn Records with helping him become more energetic, gain wider exposure and gain more opportunities throughout his career.

“Since I’ve been with Salita Promotions, I’ve been more energetic and have more opportunities.

“I have a team that helps me take myself beyond the ring. All of these things were critical to me when I found myself in this situation. I appreciate everyone’s support.”

Oberlton added that much of his early career was spent building his reputation without the same level of exposure.

“I worked in the shadows with my head down. I did the difficult work and made a name for myself.

“You can only do so much without exposure. Salita and Wynn added this variable to the equation.

“I wrestled on DAZN, got more media exposure and was given more opportunities to showcase not only my talents in the ring, but who ‘Lord Pretty Calvo’ is outside of the ring.”

Bigger conversations

Oberlton believes that as his rankings rise and momentum gains, the coming year could be the most critical period of his career to date.

“Over the next twelve months you will see me fighting bigger fights, participating in bigger conversations and continuing to do my job.

“I’m going to continue to do my job, show up and climb the rankings.

“Who knows, maybe I’ll get some candy soon.”

For now, Oberlton is focused on staying energetic and climbing the rankings.

If the department is indeed as open as it thinks it is, the “candy” he mentioned may come sooner rather than later.

About the author

Phil Jay is the editor-in-chief of World Boxing News (WBN) and a boxing veteran with over 15 years of experience. Read the full biography.

Tyson Fury has delivered a damning verdict on Anthony Joshua’s next opponent, fully expecting his domestic rival to take care of business.

The two Brits are expected to collide later this year or early next year, although nothing has been confirmed regarding a specific date or location.

However, it looks like their long-awaited fight is finally close to happening, provided both men win their warm-up fights.

Despite the descent from A unanimous decision victory over Arslanbek Makhmudov in April, Fury expressed his desire to enter another interim fight in August.

However, this seemingly remains uncertain as an official announcement is yet to be made and Joshua at least has a confirmed assignment to prepare for.

On July 25 in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, the 36-year-old will face the little-known Kristian Prenga in the heavyweight divisionentering his first fight since stopping Jake Paul in the sixth round in December.

While Prenga isn’t the most hazardous opponent, Joshua was never one to take risks before facing Fury – especially after he was involved in a tragic car crash that killed two of his closest friends.

Realizing this, Fury simply dismissed Prenga and described him as little more than a part-time brawler when asked what he knew about the Albanian heavyweight. Professional boxing fans.

– I think he’s the doorman, right?

While no opponent has been confirmed, 41-year-old Nelson Hysa is rumored to be a potential option for Fury, who is perhaps more credible than ‘The Doorman’ but probably doesn’t pose much more of a threat than Prenga.