Hrgović dismisses Itauma's mind games, vows to 'smash' him

Filip Hrgović and Moses Itauma traded barbs at a press conference in London ahead of their upcoming fight for the IBF heavyweight world championship. The bout is scheduled for August 27, 2026.

Hrgović, the Croatian challenger, dismissed the British fighter's attempts at psychological warfare. "I am not smart enough to play mind games. I speak facts and what I think," Hrgović stated. He characterized Itauma as "young, not mature enough," while asserting his own greater experience. "There are no psychological games," he added, focusing instead on a decisive physical victory.

Itauma, who is of Nigerian-Slovak descent, expressed his determination to win the title and not merely become the second youngest heavyweight champion after Tyson. He acknowledged Hrgović's provocations but dismissed them as "cheap." Both fighters conveyed strong confidence in their impending victory, with Hrgović promising to "smash" Itauma and send him back to high school.

Hrgović also highlighted the quality of his training camp, noting the absence of previous issues like injuries or personal problems. He credited his coach Abel Sanchez and manager Keith Connolly for providing him with the necessary support. "This is the biggest fight of my life and perhaps the biggest heavyweight fight of this year," Hrgović declared, emphasizing his readiness and belief in a divine plan for his success.

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I am not smart enough to play mind games. I speak facts and what I think. Moses is young, not mature enough, I am much more experienced and there are no psychological games.