Moses Itauma vs Filip Hrgovic: Heavyweight Collison 

Filip Hrgovic represents a step on the heavyweight ladder for Moses Itauma on the way to the top of the division. On paper, it appears to be a perfect step-up challenge for Moses. Filip is a proven vet with skills and power. Like every fighter, Hrgovic has flaws, and it will be up to Itauma to expose them. It will be up to Filip to confront Moses Itauma head on and find out what Moses is made of. This event will be available on DAZN PPV and as part of the Unlimited subscription on the DAZN app.

There are several unknowns when it comes to Moses Itauma after just 14 bouts of his pro career. The boxing world has yet to see Moses go deep as far as rounds, so stamina remains a question. Moses hasn’t been visible hurt as a pro, so we don’t know how he will react in that scenario. The lack of facing adversity overall leaves us wondering. Footwork in the form of lateral movement hasn’t been a calling card. That doesn’t mean Itauma isn’t capable of boxing outside.

We’ve seen Moses’s bad habit of moving backwards in straight lines. That said, Moses scored a hellish punch while on the move. What is obvious is the talent level. Moses’ hand speed, especially at heavyweight, is highly impressive. To match that scintillating hand speed Moses is a precise puncher, which only adds to the danger of stepping into the ring with him. Back in March, Moses became the first man to knockout Jermaine Franklin.

Filip Hrgovic’s only loss came via TKO by the hands of Daniel Dubois. Filip has defeated the likes of Joe Joyce and Zhilei Zhang. Hrgovic’s experience is key to pushing the young Moses to the limit. Filip has a legit jab that he loves to follow up with a straight right hand. It was actually amazing to see Daniel Dubois somehow survived the absolute onslaught. Hrgovic has a fairly good chin but has shown stamina issues more than once. If it wasn’t for Zhang’s own stamina problems, the outcome may have been different.

Speaking of Zhang, he was able to land left hands repeatedly from that southpaw stance. Filip is very predictable with his offense. He’s stance is stiff, fighting in the stand straight up style not able to show much flexibility or break in rhythm. Look for Hrgovic to get off to a quick start by landing his jabs and 1-2 combination. Once Moses can adjust, you will see him land far more meaningful punches. Once the bell rings, we will get to find out just how deep Hrgovic can push Itauma into the later rounds.

From a betting perspective Moses is the favorite sitting anywhere from –662 all the way up to –1200. Hrgovic is an underdog on the money line +489 to +700. Itauma is -320 by stoppage and +420 by decision. Filip is +800 by decision and +1400 by stoppage. If you believe this fight will go the distance, you should bet the over and/or bet yes at +300 it will go all 12 rounds.

My Official Prediction is Moses Itauma by knockout.

PODCAST LINK: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-rope-a-dope-radio-podcast/id1794655742?i=1000785654660

Side Note: Also, this weekend: Mayer vs Cameron, Noakes vs Berinchyk, plus Najee Lopez & Lester Martinez return on ProBoxTV. My Best Bets: Mayer –150 decision, Noakes-135 by decision.

Written by Chris Carlson Host/Producer of The Rope A Dope Radio Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker, I-Heart Radio, Amazon Podcasts, Tunein, Deezer, Podchaser, Castbox  & More! Follow on Twitter @RopeADopeRadio