David Haye has issued a stark warning about the challenge facing rising heavyweight Moses Itauma as he prepares to face Croatian contender Filip Hrgovic. Despite Itauma entering the bout as a strong favorite, Haye, a former world cruiserweight and heavyweight champion, emphasized the considerable threat posed by Hrgovic, who boasts a lengthy and accomplished career.
The fight, which pits 21-year-old Itauma against 34-year-old Hrgovic, highlights a clash between youth and experience. Hrgovic, an Olympic bronze medallist from 2016, has spent the past several years emerging as one of Eastern Europe’s leading heavyweights. Standing 6 feet 6 inches tall, Hrgovic has faced and defeated notable British contenders including Joe Joyce, David Adeleye, and David Allen over the last 16 months. His only recent loss came in June 2024, when he was disqualified due to severe cuts sustained during a fight with Daniel Dubois—a match in which Hrgovic had largely dominated the early rounds.
Despite these credentials, bookmakers have installed Itauma as a 7-1 favorite, a stance that Haye regards as underestimating Hrgovic’s capabilities. Haye, who has known Hrgovic for over a decade and once sparred with him in London, described the Croatian as “probably one of the most dangerous fighters in the world in the heavyweight division.” He cautioned that Hrgovic is not entering the ring to simply fulfill an underdog role, but to actively pursue victory with a clear strategy.
Hrgovic himself acknowledges that his career trajectory has been hampered by limited promotional support in Zagreb and early contractual setbacks that delayed his ascent to world title contention. Yet his performances against high-caliber opponents such as Dubois and Adeleye demonstrate his resilience and skill. In the fight with Dubois, Hrgovic was forced to retire due to cuts but was never knocked down and had convincingly outboxed his opponent before the stoppage. His victory over Adeleye came after enduring heavy pressure and winning decisively on points.
Haye urged fight fans and analysts to appreciate the magnitude of what Itauma is facing. He suggested that Itauma’s previous opponents may not have tested his limits sufficiently, while Hrgovic is certain to challenge his abilities thoroughly. “People are writing Filip off like he’s a massive underdog—he’s not,” Haye said. He stressed the significance of a potential Itauma win, noting it would be more than just seizing the IBF belt; it would represent a major statement for the young prospect against a seasoned, world-class adversary who could have contended for a heavyweight title years ago under different circumstances.
As the fight approaches, Haye’s comments serve as a reminder that the heavyweight division remains fiercely competitive and unpredictable, with Itauma’s mettle set to be tested against one of the division’s most rugged and determined fighters.