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Itauma v Hrgovic - heavyweight world title fight predictions

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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 professional fights, 12 by stoppage, and has established himself as one of the division's most exciting young prospects.

A victory would make the Chatham fighter the youngest heavyweight world champion since Mike Tyson in 1986.

But Hrgovic is a major step up. The experienced 34-year-old - a 2016 Olympic bronze medallist - has a record of 20 wins and one defeat, with 15 victories inside the distance.

You can follow radio commentary from 21:00 BST on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra, BBC Sounds, BBC Sport website and app, before switching to BBC Radio 5 Live from 22:00.

Live text commentary will begin at 19:30 on the BBC Sport website and app.

BBC Sport spoke to figures from the boxing world to get their predictions for the bout.

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' easiest nights of his career and he'll win a world title."

Prediction - Itauma

Carl Frampton - former two-weight world champion

"I do have Itauma as the favourite. He is no doubt a better fighter but still unproven over the long distance. And think people are maybe just forgetting just how tough Hrgovic is and how good he is at taking a shot.

"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 top. Hrgovic cuts a lot and I can see this being stopped on cuts because Itauma will hit him so often."

Prediction - Itauma

Tony Bellew - former cruiserweight world champion

"It's a really good fight. It's a test that Itauma has been needing for a while. Stylistically, it's very interesting. I think this fight will be really hard or really easy. I don't see a middle ground where Itauma will cruise and will look great doing it.

"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 brave and tough but he stands up tall and is quite easy to hit. Itauma has got the whole package. He's in and out of range, he's sharp. He's got the footwork and speed of a cruiserweight and the power of a heavyweight.

"So I'll go with Itauma inside three rounds."

Prediction - Itauma

Anthony Crolla - former lightweight 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.

"Hrgovic is technically good and will ask Itauma a few more questions than previous opponents. But ultimately, I think the speed and timing of Moses will be the difference.

"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 necessary. Whether it's points, stoppage or even a disqualification."

Prediction - Itauma

Paul Smith - former world-title challenger

"I fancy Itauma to make a statement 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, find the gaps and then get the stoppage."

Prediction - Itauma

Adam Smith - DAZN commentator

"Both men can punch hard - expect fireworks on Saturday. This is the acid test for Itauma. You have to favour the younger man because of his southpaw speed, skill, IQ and the foundations seem to be there for a huge career ahead.

"But Hrgovic has momentum and this is his chance for a world title and he will leave no stone unturned."

Prediction - Itauma

Dave Coldwell - boxing trainer

"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 four or five rounds, or he stops him on cuts a little bit later on. Hrgovic's skin really shreds and that's the danger with Itauma's punches. His timing and accuracy is really 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.

"I think Itauma will close the distance really well going forward or dropping back with great devastating counter-punches as he's retreating."

Prediction - Itauma

Ade Oladipo - DAZN presenter

"As this fight gets closer - and this always happens with big fights - opinions change. My opinion hasn't changed but it has definitely 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 done between rounds six and eight and it's a stoppage on cuts, but not without facing some trouble first."

Prediction - Itauma

Barry Jones - former super-featherweight world champion

"This is, on paper, a test for Itauma. Hrgovic is big, strong 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 speed, agility, and the thought process of his work is what sets him apart from other heavyweights right 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."

Prediction - Itauma

More boxing from the BBC

Source: Yahoo Sports

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