Oleksandr Usyk has downplayed the threat of Filip Hrgovic as he envisions Moses Itauma retaining his status as the “future” of heavyweight boxing.
Indeed, the prodigious talent has been widely hailed as a future world champion, seemingly possessing the mental and physical attributes to reign supreme in years to come.
Such belief in the 21-year-old was only enhanced by his last outing, which resulted in a fifth-round stoppage of fringe contender Jermaine Franklin in March.
Now, though, Itauma is approaching his toughest test thus far, taking on the seasoned and durable Filip Hrgovic at London’s O2 Arena on August 29.
The Croatian has firmly cemented himself as a top 10 heavyweight, with his only loss arriving when he was stopped on cuts in round eight of his 2024 encounter with Daniel Dubois.
But while many believe that Hrgovic will offer a significant challenge to Itauma, Usyk appears less convinced that the 34-year-old can pose many problems.
Speaking with DAZN, the Ukrainian effectively named Itauma as the heir to his throne and, by extension, the type of fighter who handles pressure with remarkable composure.
“[Hrgovic is] not a big test, but [he’s] a test. Itauma, for me, is a special guy because he’s very relaxed before fights [and] after fights.
“[He’s the] future.”
While Usyk vacated his WBC, IBF and WBA titles last month, he will remain the lineal heavyweight champion until he either retires or is defeated in the ring.
With just one fight remaining, though, it is most likely that the next heavyweight king – possibly Itauma – will be crowned once the 39-year-old has called time on his Hall of Fame career.
