Filip Hrgović to fight Moses Itauma for IBF world heavyweight title

Filip Hrgović (Photo: Instagram)

ZAGREB, 4 August 2026 – Croatian heavyweight Filip Hrgovic will challenge Britain’s unbeaten Moses Itauma for the vacant IBF world heavyweight title on 29 August at London’s O2 Arena.

The fight follows the decision by Oleksandr Usyk to vacate the IBF belt in June, creating an opportunity for both fighters to compete for one of boxing’s most prestigious titles.

The bout represents one of the biggest moments in Croatian boxing in decades.

Hrgovic, 34, enters the contest with a professional record of 20 wins, including 15 by knockout.

The Zagreb-born boxer also claimed a bronze medal at the 2016 Olympic Games before turning professional and establishing himself among the leading contenders in the heavyweight division.

Standing opposite him will be 21-year-old Itauma, one of the sport’s fastest-rising stars. The British heavyweight has won all 14 of his professional fights, with 12 victories coming by knockout, and has been widely tipped as a future dominant force in the division.

For Croatia, the fight carries added historical significance. The country has not had a challenger for the world heavyweight championship since 26 September 1998, when Željko Mavrović faced Lennox Lewis for the WBC world heavyweight title.

Nearly three decades later, Hrgovic now has the opportunity to become Croatia’s first heavyweight world champion.

The contest is expected to attract global attention, with boxing fans eager to see whether the experienced Croatian can halt the rise of one of Britain’s brightest young talents or whether Itauma will fulfil the expectations surrounding his rapid ascent.

The IBF world heavyweight title fight takes place on 29 August at London’s iconic O2 Arena.