Filip Hrgovic: 'Moses never reached the promised land'

Filip Hrgovic turned to scripture when sizing up his August 29 heavyweight clash with unbeaten Moses Itauma, telling reporters the British prospect will fall short of his championship destiny.

"History said that Moses never reached the promised land and history repeats," Hrgovic said at the opening press conference, per Bad Left Hook. "My job is to stop him to reach the promised land to become champion, to become next star that he got all the attributes to be."

Itauma acknowledges toughest test awaits

Itauma, who carries a 14-0 record with 12 knockouts, has struggled to land a recognized opponent during his rapid climb. The 20-year-old acknowledged Hrgovic represents his stiffest challenge to date. "Filip Hrgovic ain't no mug," Itauma said at the same event. "The beautiful thing about my position is I can strip him away from all of that. So I'm ready to come when it comes to the day, I'll be ready."

Hrgovic, who holds an Olympic bronze medal and a 20-1 professional mark with 15 stoppages, said he expects critics to overlook his experience advantage. "A lot of guys write me off and saying that he's too quick and he's too dangerous but I definitely believe, and I'm coming for a win," the Croatian told reporters. He called himself too tough and too strong for the younger fighter.

The bout streams on DAZN in late summer, with Itauma looking to validate the hype and Hrgovic aiming to halt another prospect's rise.

Reported via:

• Bad Left Hook — ‘Moses never reached the promised land’: Filip Hrgovic confident he beats Moses Itauma