Filip Hrgović to fight Moses Itauma after Usik calls Briton the future of heavyweight

Ukrainian heavyweight Oleksandr Usik told DAZN that Croatian champion Filip Hrgović "is not a big test, but a test" and that 21‑year‑old Briton Moses Itauma is "the future" of the division. Usik added that Itauma could even defeat current WBC champion Agit Kabayel.

Hrgović (20‑1) is set to meet the undefeated Itauma (14‑0) in a bout that will decide who faces top‑ranked challenger Frank Sanchez for the vacant IBF heavyweight title. The opponent for Hrgović will be confirmed after the August 29 event that also features the Hrgović‑Itauma clash. The winner will move one step closer to a world‑title fight, while Usik’s remarks are expected to sting Hrgović ahead of the showdown.