Itauma and Hrgovic to fight for vacant IBF heavyweight title

Moses Itauma, 21, will have a chance to make history to become the second-youngest Heavyweight champion ever — with Mike Tyson being age 20 when he won the title back in 1986 — should he defeat Filip Hrgovic for IBF’s vacant title when the two collide on Aug. 29, 2026, in London, England. The bout […]

Itauma, 21, could become the second youngest heavyweight champion in boxing history behind Mike Tyson.

LONDON, ENGLAND - JUNE 22: Moses Itauma (L) and Filip Hrgovic (R) face off as Frank Warren, Founder of Queensbury Promotions (C), watches on following a press conference ahead of their heavyweight fight on the 'Natural Born Thriller' card at Studio 338 on June 22, 2026 in London, England. (Photo by James Fearn/Getty Images) | Getty Images Despite only being 21-year-old, Moses Itauma has been a fast-rising prospect who has been frustrated with his inability to secure many of the kind of fights he wants. In that sense, things are certainly trending in the right direction as he’s officially had his fight with Filip Hrgovic upgraded to a vacant IBF heavyweight title fight on August 29. The fight will take place at London’s O2 Arena per ESPN with Queensberry promoter Frank Warren specifying that Frank Sanchez was paid to step aside as the mandatory challenger, with a promise to fight the winner of Itauma vs Hrgovic. Itauma (14-0, 12 KOs) isn’t much for words, but his status will speak for itself as he’s provided the opportunity to become one of the youngest heavyweight champions in boxing history, but he’ll have to get through a sturdy and motivated Hrgovic (20-1, 15 KOs), who says he isn’t in awe of Itauma’s reptuation. “I never see him in trouble. I never see him get punched or dropped,” Hrgovic said of Itauma. “He’s definitely got skills and speed but to be a great fighter you must have heart, will, chin, endurance and we didn’t see that yet. Maybe he’s got all of that, but maybe not. I think I will test that. I will test is he a real deal or not.” Hrgovic is most recently coming off a stoppage win over Dave Allen this past May while Itauma scored his own stoppage win to beat Jermaine Franklin in late March.

British heavyweight Moses Itauma's fight against Filip Hrgovic on 29 August will be for the vacant IBF title.

British heavyweight Moses Itauma's fight against Filip Hrgovic on 29 August will be for the vacant IBF title.

Moses Itauma will fight for the vacant IBF world heavyweight title when he faces Filip Hrgovic in London on August 29.