Moses It will hurt has revealed Frank Warren’s plan to secure him an undisputed clash with one of the division’s most formidable punchers.

It is no secret that Itauma is being steered towards mainstream stardom, clearly representing a vital component of Warren’s Queensberry Promotions stable.

This does not mean, however, that the prodigious talent will forever be matched against inferior opposition, so as to protect his unbeaten record and marketability.

Rather, it would seem that the 21-year-old is already being let off the leash, hence why he is facing Filip Hrgovic at London’s O2 Arena on August 29.

Having only lost to reigning WBO world champion Daniel Duboisthere is no denying that Hrgovic is Itauma’s toughest opponent thus far.

Even in the Dubois defeat, the Croatian had arguably built a slight lead before getting stopped on cuts in round eight of their June 2024 encounter.

Itauma, meanwhile, is yet to compete at such a level, with his best win coming via a fifth-round finish over fringe contender Jermaine Franklin in March.

But still, many believe the hard-hitting southpaw will go on to become a long-reigning champion, with Dubois potentially representing his closest rival.

Speaking with IFL TVItauma admitted that he expects the Dubois fight to materialise soon enough, especially if the pieces all fall into place for promoter Warren.

“I think the Dubois fight will definitely happen at some point this year, next year or the year after.

“Only because it’s two Brits. He doesn’t seem like he’s slowing down; I seem like I’m speeding up.

“If that [fight] is going to happen, it’ll be after I’ve got a belt [and] he’s got a belt, or I might have two and he might have two.

“I think [Warren’s] going to try and get me and Dubois to collect all the belts and then unify [against] each other. If that’s the plan, I’m happy to roll with that.”

While Itauma has his hands full against Hrgovic, Dubois is expected to rematch Fabio Wardley after scoring an 11th-round stoppage over his rival in May.

Derek Chisora anticipates a “hard fight” between Moses Itauma and Filip Hrgovicbut believes one man has the ability to “dig deep” and emerge victorious.

The pair will square off at London’s O2 Arena on August 29, with Itauma headlining his third Queensberry card as he looks to join the world scene.

Already, the 21-year-old is ranked No.1 with the WBO and WBA, while the IBF have ordered a vacant title fight between him and seasoned contender Frank Sanchez.

Should he come through Hrgovic, then perhaps Itauma will land the Sanchez opportunity, with his team potentially negotiating a deal behind the scenes.

Until then, though, the heavyweight prodigy must prove himself against a consensus top 10 contender, taking a sizable step-up following his fifth-round finish over Jermaine Franklin in March.

Hrgovic, after all, is no slouch, having lost only to Daniel Dubois after being stopped on cuts in round eight of their June 2024 encounter.

Since then, the Croatian has leaked blood in each of his victories over Joe Joyce, David Adeleye and Dave Allen, wearing varying degrees of cuts around his eyes.

And it is partly for this reason, in fact, that heavyweight veteran Chisora has backed Itauma in an interview with Seconds Out.

“It’s going to be a hard fight, but Moses is going to dig deep and he’s going to win. We know how Hrgovic gets cut, and how he sometimes feels sorry for himself when he gets hit.

“But I believe Moses is going to come through that fight. He’s a young lion.”

Chisora went on to consider a potential fight between Itauma and Dubois, the current WBO champion, expecting these two to be leading the next generation of heavyweights.

Hall of Famer Tim Bradley doesn’t expect Terence Crawford to fight again, and he believes the decision has less to do with motivation than with the physical toll of a long career.

Asked whether he thinks Crawford will return to the ring, Bradley gave a definitive answer, saying the former four-division world champion has likely fought his last bout.

“I think Bud’s done,” Bradley said to Boxing News. “I think injuries. It’s not that he don’t want to do it. It’s just the fact that probably he can’t do it because he has these undisclosed injuries that are constantly probably bothering him.”

Crawford, 38, has not fought since his September 2025 victory over Canelo Alvarez, a win that cemented his legacy as one of boxing’s all-time greats. While fans have continued to speculate about another comeback, Bradley believes Crawford has already accomplished everything he set out to achieve.

Bradley says financial security is another major reason a return appears unlikely.

“I feel like Bud has done enough, made enough money and invested his money very well to where he doesn’t need to come back and fight,” Bradley said. “Most of the time guys that come back they need money. Bud doesn’t need money.”

Bradley added that Crawford is enjoying life outside the ring, traveling with his family and pursuing other ventures rather than chasing one final payday.

“I think he’s happy and content with what he’s done in the sport. I don’t see him coming back,” Bradley said before calling Crawford “the king of this generation.”

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Last Updated on 2026/07/14 at 2:39 AM