“Itauma, for me, is a special guy. He’s very relaxed before fights and after fights. No trash talking. Just training… it’s the future because he’s a young guy,” Usyk said during a July interview in Jeddah.

Those are admirable qualities, but being young, calm and dedicated to training does not establish anyone as heavyweight boxing’s next dominant force.

Itauma has destroyed most of the opposition placed in front of him, building a 14-0 record with 12 knockouts. Careful matchmaking has played a significant role. Mariusz Wach and Mike Balogun were past 40 when they shared the ring with him, while Dillian Whyte was 37. None was equipped to show how the young heavyweight responds when an opponent survives his early attack and forces him into a difficult fight.

Boxing history is filled with prospects who looked nearly invincible while knocking out opposition selected to develop them. That perception can change quickly once the competition becomes capable of exploiting flaws that previous opponents couldn’t reach.

Hrgovic represents Itauma’s first opportunity to answer some of those questions. The Croatian has operated at a higher level, owns extensive amateur experience and has already gone through demanding professional fights.

If Itauma handles Hrgovic as easily as his previous opposition, Usyk’s prediction will look considerably more convincing. If Hrgovic exposes weaknesses hidden by earlier matchmaking, DAZN’s promotional hook may age badly.

Usyk may ultimately be proven correct, but Itauma still has to prove it in the ring.