Hrgović: Itauma is already a superstar, everything served to him, he didn't have to sacrifice like I did

Croatian heavyweight boxer Filip Hrgović is projecting confidence ahead of his upcoming bout against Moses Itauma, scheduled for late August. Hrgović perceives Itauma as a fighter who has been overly promoted and has not yet been truly tested in the demanding crucible of professional boxing. He suggested that Itauma's career has been carefully managed, with opportunities presented to him without the need for the sacrifices Hrgović claims to have made.

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I know that I am invited here to lose and I understand that. Promoter Frank Warren will not earn as much money on me as he can with Itauma, but I am here to stop him.

Hrgović contrasted his own journey with Itauma's, highlighting the perceived ease with which Itauma has achieved his current status. "He has won the junior world championship title, as have I, and had 14 professional fights and is already a superstar. Everything is served to him. He didn't have to sacrifice like I did, work as hard to get to this point as I had to," Hrgović stated. He respects his own path more, asserting that Itauma has had everything handed to him compared to boxers from smaller nations.

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Boxing is a puzzle for me to solve and I believe that with good preparation there is no puzzle that I cannot solve.

While acknowledging Itauma's skills and speed, Hrgović questioned whether the young British-Slovakian fighter possesses the essential qualities of a top boxer: heart, will, resilience, and the ability to withstand punishment. "Nobody has seen him in trouble, hit by a strong blow or on the floor. He has skills and speed but to be a great fighter you must have heart, will, chin and endurance. And we haven't seen that in him yet," Hrgović commented. He intends to test these attributes in their fight and prove his own superiority.

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I don't believe in puzzles. It's about two fighters in the ring, two warriors, and it's just a question of who will have the stronger will, stronger determination, courage and desire to win. That's how I see boxing. I don't believe in puzzles, strategies and tactics, and tactical plans. Those are two different approaches.

Itauma, who has been compared to a young Mike Tyson due to his impressive knockouts, has acknowledged the challenge Hrgović presents. He recognizes Hrgović's accomplishments, including an Olympic bronze medal, and sees the fight as an opportunity to take it all away. Despite the "hype" surrounding Itauma, Hrgović remains unfazed, viewing the fight as a test of true grit and determination, with himself emerging victorious to become world champion.

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Moses has all the attributes, he also has promotion from the beginning of his career. Everyone predicts that he is the next big star and I am here to stop him. I will prove that I am tough enough for him, too experienced and too strong.... Many have written me off but I am coming to win.