Britain could have a new heavyweight world champion on Saturday when Moses Itauma faces Croatian Filip Hrgovic at London’s O2 Arena for the vacant IBF title.
The 21-year-old Briton has won all 14 of his skilled fights, 12 by stoppage, and has established himself as one of the division’s most thrilling younger prospects.
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A victory would make the Chatham fighter the youngest heavyweight world champion since Mike Tyson in 1986.
But Hrgovic is a main step up. The skilled 34-year-old – a 2016 Olympic bronze medallist – has a report of 20 wins and one defeat, with 15 victories inside the distance.
You can observe radio commentary from 21:00 BST on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra, BBC Sounds, BBC Sport web site and app, before switching to BBC Radio 5 Live from 22:00.
Live textual content commentary will start at 19:30 on the BBC Sport web site and app.
BBC Sport spoke to figures from the boxing world to get their predictions for the bout.
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Prince Naseem Hamed – former featherweight world champion
“Hrgovic right now is possibly the best fighter for him to face. On paper it’s a test but I don’t think it will be a test. I don’t think Moses will be under any form of pressure in a fight like this.
“I think it’s going to be one of Moses’ best nights of his profession and he’ll win a world title.”
Prediction – Itauma
Carl Frampton – former two-weight world champion
“I do have Itauma as the favorite. He is no doubt a higher fighter but still unproven over the long distance. And think people are possibly just forgetting just how robust Hrgovic is and how good he is at taking a shot.
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“I can see Itauma blowing him away early because he’s so accurate but I can also see Hrgovic riding the storm and it becoming a more difficult fight in the second half for Itauma.
“But I still see Moses coming out on prime. Hrgovic cuts a lot and I can see this being stopped on cuts because Itauma will hit him so typically.”
Prediction – Itauma
Tony Bellew – former cruiserweight world champion
“It’s a actually good combat. It’s a take a look at that Itauma has been needing for a while. Stylistically, it’s very fascinating. I think this combat will be actually onerous or very easy. I do not see a center ground where Itauma will cruise and will look great doing it.
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“I think he either gets rid of him inside three rounds or this is the acid test we’ve all been waiting for.
“Hrgovic is courageous and robust but he stands up tall and is fairly straightforward to hit. Itauma has got the entire bundle. He’s in and out of vary, he’s sharp. He’s got the footwork and pace of a cruiserweight and the energy of a heavyweight.
“So I’ll go with Itauma inside three rounds.”
Prediction – Itauma
Anthony Crolla – former light-weight world champion
“I’ve said for a while that I’d back Moses againt any heavyweight on the planet, other than Oleksandr Usyk. Going by Usyk’s last performance against Rico Verhoeven, I’d probably back Moses against him too.
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“Hrgovic is technically good and will ask Itauma a few more questions than earlier opponents. But finally, I think the pace and timing of Moses will be the distinction.
“He will get to him in the sixth or seventh round and stop him, with maybe a few knockdowns along the way.”
Prediction – Itauma
Jeamie TKV – British heavyweight
“I favour Moses to get the win. I know Hrgovic will come prepared. He’s game and not a pushover. He’s coming to win a world title. So it won’t be a straightforward fight, but it will be a good fight.
“I’m rooting for Moses so I say he will win by any means essential. Whether it’s factors, stoppage or even a disqualification.”
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Prediction – Itauma
Paul Smith – former world-title challenger
“I fancy Itauma to make a assertion with a stoppage mid to late rounds. I think the cuts of Hrgovic may come into play, but I also think Itauma will take his time, discover the gaps and then get the stoppage.”
Prediction – Itauma
Adam Smith – DAZN commentator
“Both males can punch onerous – expect fireworks on Saturday. This is the acid take a look at for Itauma. You have to favour the youthful man because of his southpaw pace, ability, IQ and the foundations appear to be there for a big profession forward.
“But Hrgovic has momentum and this is his chance for a world title and he will leave no stone unturned.”
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Prediction – Itauma
Dave Coldwell – boxing coach
“I think it’s Itauma’s time and he stops him. I think he will be too much for a 34-year-old Hrgovic, who has never really pushed on like we expected him to.
“It could be with sharp punches and he knocks Hrgovic out within 4 or 5 rounds, or he stops him on cuts a little bit later on. Hrgovic’s pores and skin actually shreds and that’s the hazard with Itauma’s punches. His timing and accuracy is actually good.
“Hrgovic is very tough, but he can be one dimensional in terms of his feet coming forward. He’s a bit cumbersome and he leans back and is there to be hit.
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“I think Itauma will close the distance very well going ahead or dropping back with great devastating counter-punches as he’s retreating.”
Prediction – Itauma
Ade Oladipo – DAZN presenter
“As this combat gets nearer – and this always occurs with large fights – opinions change. My opinion hasn’t modified but it has undoubtedly got tighter.
“I still think Itauma will get this done but I’m not as convinced as I was three or four months ago. Hrgovic looks in incredible shape. He’s been training away in the mountains of Big Bear Lake in California with Abel Sanchez.
“I do think Itauma gets it finished between rounds six and eight and it’s a stoppage on cuts, but not without dealing with some bother first.”
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Prediction – Itauma
Barry Jones – former super-featherweight world champion
“This is, on paper, a take a look at for Itauma. Hrgovic is large, robust and his resume is far stronger.
“But still, are we allowed to dream about a young heavyweight who could change the landscape? I think we should.
“Itauma has the pace, agility, and the thought course of of his work is what units him aside from other heavyweights proper now.
“I really strongly believe he will do a job on Saturday. I think he will be impressive and wear down a really robust and physically tough Hrgovic.
“I think Itauma wins within six rounds.”
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Prediction – Itauma
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