Hrgovic questioned why so many fans are predicting a one-sided victory for the unbeaten British prospect.
“People saying Moses can win? People saying Moses will destroy me, man,” said Hrgovic to Queensberry Promotions, talking about the 21-year-old Itauma.
“Because that’s called a hype job. They hype him so much. He had a few knockouts, but the whole world is talking about him,” said Hrgovic.
“If he is from Bulgaria, no one would talk of him.”
Hrgovic acknowledged Itauma’s talent, pointing to his speed, southpaw stance, and explosiveness, but suggested much of the attention stems from Britain’s ability to market young fighters.
“You guys are the best in the business, the biggest boxing crowd in the world, and you know how to sell products,” said Hrgovic.
“People like to have heroes. So you always need to have some hero, and people look at him as a new great heavyweight, like a new Mike Tyson, like a new hero.”
“My job is to quit that.”
The 34-year-old also dismissed suggestions that he is nearing the end of his career, insisting he remains in his physical prime despite spending two decades in the sport.
“I’m still going up. I still didn’t start to going down,” said Hrgovic.
“I’m 34 now. I’m not young. I’m not also old for heavyweight. So I think I’m in the best age, experience, and still speed and power.”
While Itauma has rapidly emerged as one of boxing’s most talked-about heavyweight prospects, Hrgovic will represent a significant step up in opposition. The former IBF mandatory challenger owns victories over contenders such as Zhilei Zhang, Demsey McKean, and Joe Joyce, and has shared the ring with elite-level heavyweights throughout his career.
The winner of the August 29 contest is expected to move into position for a major fight in the heavyweight division, with Itauma seeking to cement his status as a future world title challenger and Hrgovic aiming to halt the momentum behind one of the sport’s fastest-rising stars.
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