Moses Itauma vs. Filip Hrgović press conference quotes and fight prediction
Moses Itauma (14-0, 12 KOs) and Filip Hrgović (20-1, 15 KOs) will soon clash for the vacant IBF heavyweight world championship.
Their bout headlines a Queensberry Promotions card at the O2 Arena in London, England. Fight fans around the world can catch the action live as a pay-per-view (PPV) on DAZN.
Both men spoke at a final press conference ahead of their Aug. 29 world title contest. Below is some of what they had to say.
Moses Itauma vs. Filip Hrgović press conference quotes
Moses Itauma
“I want to first address that I’m not trying to become the second youngest heavyweight champion of the world,” said Itauma. “I’m trying to beat Filip Hrgović and become a heavyweight world champion. Second of all, this fight, it’s what I wanted. I’ve asked Queensberry for so long. I think it’s a style matchup that I reckon I can thrive on. The pressure I can thrive on. It’s just waiting until fight night.”
“Obviously, the world title is an achievement and an accolade. That’s a plus one, but my sole focus is Hrgović. If I ain’t gonna beat Hrgović, it doesn’t matter about the world title, it doesn’t matter about the noise, it doesn’t matter nothing. So my job is to just be victorious fight night.”
Filip Hrgović
“I’m feeling great,” said Hrgović. “My best training camp in [the] last six years. Last six years I always had some trouble going on or some pain or some injury or illness or personal problems or some business problems. Every time was some mess before the fight and now thanks to my Lord Jesus I had great training camp. He put everything in place for me. He connected me with great people. My coach Abel Sanchez, my manager Keith Connolly, and everything was perfect. I had good sparring, good recovery. I had everything [that] I haven’t had in previous camps. I’m feeling good.”
“I just telling you facts. I’m not playing any games. I just tell you what I think in the moment. Like I said, I’m not so smart to play this mind games and I just tell you what I think. I think he’s a kid. He’s not mature enough. I think I’m the man. I’m in much better age [sic], much more experience. That’s it. No mind games.”
Fight prediction
From Big Fight Weekend’s Ricky Carroll: Hrgović presents an imposing figure for Itauma to face. His heavy jab, experience and durability present a complex puzzle for the Englishman to solve. The Croatian has a highly effective jab, which enables him to control the distance in his fights.
Itauma has proven he has devastating fight-ending power. His exceptional speed and movement make him a nightmare to face, and something Hrgović will need to be prepared for. He’s brilliant at moving in and letting fast combinations off before moving out of danger. His constant feinting will be tough for Hrgović to deal with, as he often looks tired and waiting for a second wind in his fights.
Taking all this into account, we are backing Itauma to be too sharp for the experienced Croat. Our prediction is that the Brit will win by stoppage (Hrgović still on his feet) between rounds six to nine.
Full press conference
For the press conference in its entirety, click here or the play button below. Video courtesy of DAZN.
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Featured image credit
Queensberry Promotions
S Saadeq Ahmed
Currently writing out of Toronto, Canada, Saadeq first became a boxing fan while living in Doha, Qatar. Looking to become more involved in the sport, he began writing about boxing and has had work published in outlets such as Seconds Out and Boxing Social. He looks forward to continue covering boxing on Big Fight Weekend.