Today marked the official kick off press conference for an August 29 heavyweight fight between rising star Moses Itauma and the well-regarded Filip Hrgovic. Itauma has long expressed his frustration in his ability to get a notable opponent, but he’s got one here and it presents an opportunity for him to validate all of the hype behind him.
So when Itauma (14-0, 12 KOs) was asked about this fight at the event, he plain-spoken fight acknowledged that now is the time for him to step up to the plate.
“This is a big test. Of course, it’s my toughest fight” Itauma said. “Filip Hrgovic ain’t no mug. I think the beautiful thing about boxing is that Hrgovic has achieved so much in this sport, has beat so many well-known guys in not just British boxing, but boxing in general, and he’s won an Olympic bronze medal. And I guess the beautiful thing about my position is I can strip him away from all of that. So I’m ready to come when it comes to the day, I’ll be ready.”
Hrgovic (20-1, 15 KOs) would soon thereafter be asked about his thoughts on taking on Itauma during his meteoric rise, to which he responded in biblical fashion.
“History said that Moses never reached the promised land and history repeats,” Hrgovic said. “My job is to stop him to reach the promised land to become champion, to become next star that he got all the attributes to be. He has country behind him, promotion, so since beginning of his career they’re building him into the big star. Obviously he got the talent, speed and punching power and everybody predicting he’s the next big star in boxing and I’m here to stop him.
“Of course I believe in myself. I’m too tough, too experienced guy, too strong for him. And I believe in myself that I will beat him. This fight, a lot of guys write me off and saying that he’s too quick and he’s too dangerous but I definitely believe, and I’m coming for a win.”
You can watch the full opening press conference in the video link at the top!
