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Full Breakdown

Weigh-In Clash Sets Stage for IBV Heavyweight Title Bout

8/29/2026, 1:51:11 AM

The Weigh-In Incident

During the final face-off at Spitalfields Market, British prospect Moses Itauma shoved Croatian challenger Filip Hrgovic off the two-foot stage. Hrgovic recovered, climbed back up and slapped Itauma before security intervened. Both fighters exchanged heated words moments before the scuffle.

Background & Context

The bout is for the vacant IBF heavyweight world title. Itauma, 21, is 14-0 (12 KOs) and aims to become the sport’s second-youngest champion after Mike Tyson. Hrgovic, 34, is 20-1 (15 KOs) and seeks Croatia’s first heavyweight crown. Their rivalry has featured verbal barbs, with Hrgovic calling Itauma a “kid” and promising to “smash” him, while Itauma has downplayed the hype.

Data & Statistics

Data & Statistics
FighterAgeRecord (KOs)Recent notable winWeigh-in (lbs)
Moses Itauma2114-05-round KO of Jermaine Franklin (Mar 2026)241.7 – 247.1*
Filip Hrgovic3420-1Points win over Joe Joyce (2024)236.2

*Conflicting reports list Itauma at either 241.7 lbs or 247.1 lbs.*

Official Statements & Responses

  • Filip Hrgovic said the fight is a test of experience and that his age and ring-IQ give him an advantage. He claimed the confrontation was a direct response to being pushed.
  • Moses Itauma stressed that the world title is his primary focus.
  • Promoter Frank Warren noted Itauma is “not normally like this” and suggested the push was an attempt to “stamp his authority” before the fight.

Verbatim Quotes

  • “He pushed me first so I just gave it back.” — Filip Hrgovic, BBC
  • “I don’t know, I just lost it a little bit. But we’re here now, we’re here. Let’s go. I had a little itch, and I just had to scratch it.” — Moses Itauma, SkySports
  • “I want to first address that I’m not trying to become the second youngest heavyweight champion of the world,” — Moses Itauma, Boxinginsider
  • “I just told him what’s gonna happen; I’ll smash him,” — Filip Hrgovic, Independent

Conflicting Reports & Gaps

  • Weigh-in weights: Sources differ on Itauma’s weight (241.7 lbs vs. 247.1 lbs). Hrgovic’s weight is consistently reported as 236.2 lbs.
  • Fight date: Outlets list either August 29 or August 30; the exact day remains unconfirmed.

What’s Next

The IBF heavyweight title fight is slated for August 29 at London’s O2 Arena, with a live broadcast on DAZN Boxing PPV. Security and promotional teams say both camps will focus on preparation rather than further public confrontations.