Things got incredibly heated between heavyweight competitors Moses Itauma and Filip Hrgovic prior to their upcoming IBF championship showdown.
Prominent heavyweight sensation Moses Itauma is set to battle Filip Hrgovic for the IBF heavyweight crown this coming weekend, though their scheduled bout nearly kicked off ahead of time during the official weigh-ins.
Coming off a successful defense of his WBA and WBO heavyweight straps with a stoppage victory over Jermaine Franklin back in March, Itauma is back in action. Hrgovic, who boasts an Olympic bronze medal, represents what could be the most formidable challenge yet in the young prospect’s rising career.
Animosity is soaring between Itauma and Hrgovic leading up to their heavyweight collision. Following a highly animated encounter during a joint media session, both athletes find themselves with an immense amount at stake.
Prior to Saturday’s highly anticipated matches at The O2 Arena, the pair had their final staredown at Friday’s public weigh-ins. Tempers flared and near-pandemonium erupted on the platform after Itauma pushed Hrgovic just after they squared up.
VIDEO: Things turn physical during Moses Itauma and Filip Hrgovic’s intense face-off
Check out the clip below to see the two heavyweights nearly trade punches.
TENSIONS HAVE BOILED OVER! 🤯
Moses Itauma and Filip Hrgovic CLASH at the weigh in ahead of their IBF heavyweight title fight tomorrow night on DAZN 😳 pic.twitter.com/OUpGv5tiwQ
— Ring Magazine (@ringmagazine) August 28, 2026
Fortunately, both athletes emerged from the scuffle unscathed, meaning their weekend matchup remains fully on track.
Itauma faces a revitalized Hrgovic, who has put together a three-fight winning streak following his defeat to Daniel Dubois in June 2024. Most recently, Hrgovic claimed the WBA continental gold and IBF intercontinental honors with a knockout triumph over David Allen in May.
Should Itauma emerge victorious this weekend, it could pave the way for a massive showdown with a superstar like Oleksandr Usyk. Conversely, Hrgovic is determined to pull off an upset and deliver a harsh reality check to his rival.
How do you see the Moses Itauma vs. Filip Hrgovic fight playing out? Share your predictions in the comment section below!
This piece originally debuted on BJPENN.COM
