I want to beat Hrgovic, titles don't change my focus, Itauma

British-Nigerian heavyweight star Moses Itauma is set to face Filip Hrgovic, and he says his goal to win hasn’t changed just because the vacant IBF world title is now at stake. He believes the title doesn’t affect how seriously he takes the Croatian fighter, according to PUNCH Sports Extra.

The 21-year-old Itauma could become the second-youngest heavyweight world champion ever. The record is held by Mike Tyson, who was 20 when he won the title. Itauma will fight Hrgovic at the O2 Arena on August 29.

In a chat with DAZN Boxing, Itauma was asked if the title adds pressure to the fight.

“Not really, the belts just come with the performance. With boxing Hrgovic, I was taking him serious, and now the belt is on the line, I still take him serious.

“I want to beat him as much as I did before the belt was on the line,” he explained. “Of course, it will be an honour. I’d love to be a world champion, but it’s about Filip Hrgovic himself.”

Itauma has said before that he values big names more than titles. When asked which is more important to him, he replied, “Probably the names.”

Hrgovic is likely Itauma’s toughest challenge so far. The Croatian has lost only to Daniel Dubois and has wins over Dave Allen, David Adeleye, and Zhilei Zhang. Itauma has won all 14 of his professional fights, with 12 of those by knockout, all in the first six rounds. He has also stopped Jermina Franklin and former title challenger Dillian Whyte in the first round.

In another interview with British media, Itauma admitted he does not always feel comfortable in the spotlight, but he is ready for a “long night” against the experienced Hrgovic.

“I didn’t really have no reaction. I was like, ‘if I’m fighting Hrgovic and I’ve got the opportunity for it to be for a world title? Yeah, chuck a world title on the line,’ I didn’t really have a feeling,” he shared.

Itauma, who earned this title shot in only his 15th professional fight, responded to comparisons with Tyson. Teddy Atlas, Tyson's former trainer, said Itauma is ahead at this point in his career.

“Teddy Atlas said that, yeah? To be honest, I am pretty sure Teddy Atlas put a gun to Mike Tyson’s head before, no? I just think he doesn’t like Mike Tyson and is finding a way to dim his light,” Itauma remarked. “Look, I don’t know, Teddy Atlas saying that, I do appreciate it. Tyson has had his career, and I am still making my career.”

Itauma, who dreamed of being world heavyweight champion since he was 16 or 17, recognizes the challenge with Hrgovic, who has only one loss due to a cut.

“Of course he’s a very good fighter. He’s only had one defeat, and he only lost because of the cut. Yeah, he’s solid. I’m in for a long night, but I’ll be all right,” Itauma said.

If he wins, Itauma knows he will face mandatory challenger Frank Sanchez next.