Bellew Predicts Itauma Will Defeat Hrgovic in Rematch

Former WBC cruiserweight world champion Tony Bellew has expressed confidence that Moses Itauma will defeat Filip Hrgovic in a potential rematch. This follows Hrgovic's victory over Itauma, where he stopped the British-Nigerian prospect in the ninth round to claim the vacant IBF heavyweight title at the O2 Arena in London.

This match marked a significant upset, as Hrgovic became Croatia’s first heavyweight world champion. Despite knocking Hrgovic down in the second round and controlling much of the fight, Itauma struggled in the later rounds, leading to the fight being stopped.

Following the defeat, Itauma requested a rematch. Bellew, speaking on the Fight Your Corner Podcast, emphasized Itauma's technical skills, suggesting that Hrgovic did not truly hurt Itauma but that exhaustion played a role in the outcome.

However, it is reported that Hrgovic will defend his IBF title against Frank Sanchez, the mandatory challenger, instead of facing Itauma again.