Itauma has been one of boxing’s most heavily promoted young heavyweights, compiling a 14-0 record with 12 knockouts while rarely being extended by his opposition. His fifth-round stoppage of Jermaine Franklin in March generated renewed calls for tougher competition after another dominant performance.

Frank Warren had promised a top-10 opponent would be next. Hrgovic appears to be the answer.

The Croatian contender enters the fight with a 20-1 record and considerably more experience against high-level opposition than anyone Itauma has faced as a professional. Hrgovic’s lone defeat came against Daniel Dubois in their June 2024 IBF interim heavyweight title bout, which was halted due to cuts. He returned to winning ways in May by stopping Dave Allen in three rounds.

After that victory, Hrgovic made it clear he would welcome a fight with the British prospect.

“Moses never reached the promised land. I want to fight with anyone in the division, Moses, anyone,” Hrgovic said to Sky Sports Boxing.

“If I’m healthy, and I look like I am. no problem for me. I never run from any opponent.”

While Itauma has generated excitement with his knockout power and athletic ability, questions remain about how he will respond when forced into the later rounds against an opponent capable of matching his physical strength and experience.

Itauma is currently ranked No. 1 by the WBO and has been linked to future world-title opportunities. A victory over Hrgovic would represent the most notable win of his professional career and his first against a contender who has previously competed at world level.

Hrgovic, meanwhile, is attempting to position himself back in the heavyweight title picture after returning to the win column with his May stoppage of Dave Allen.