Moses Itauma to fight for IBF heavyweight title at London's O2 Arena

Moses Itauma is set to challenge Filip Hrgovic for the vacant IBF heavyweight world championship at the O2 Arena in London on Saturday, August 29, 2026. The fight presents Itauma with an opportunity to become boxing's youngest world heavyweight champion since Mike Tyson.

A historic opportunity

The 21-year-old British boxer, who turns 22 in December, aims to join an elite group of champions. Victory would make him the second current British heavyweight world champion and the youngest in the sport's history. Mike Tyson, at 20 years old, last held the distinction in November 1986.

The IBF title became vacant when Oleksandr Usyk relinquished his belts earlier this summer. Frank Sanchez, who was initially next in line, has reportedly accepted a financial offer to step aside and is expected to face the winner of the Itauma-Hrgovic bout.

Fighter profiles and weigh-in

Itauma, a southpaw from Chatham, has won all 14 of his professional bouts since turning professional in 2023, with 12 wins by knockout. His opponent, Hrgovic, a Croatian boxer, has a professional record of 20 wins, with 15 by knockout, and one loss. Hrgovic's sole defeat came against Daniel Dubois in 2024 for the interim IBF title.

At the official weigh-in held at Spitalfields Market, Itauma weighed in at 241.7lbs, while Hrgovic was lighter at 236.2lbs. The weigh-in was marked by a heated exchange, with Itauma shoving Hrgovic off the stage, prompting a slap from his opponent before security intervened.

Broadcast details

The main event, featuring Itauma and Hrgovic, is scheduled for Saturday, August 29, 2026, with ring walks anticipated around 10:30 pm British Summer Time. The undercard bouts are set to commence at 7 pm BST. In the UK, the fight will be broadcast live and exclusively on DAZN pay-per-view, priced at £24.99. An eight-day free trial of DAZN is included with the purchase.