Filip Hrgovic does not believe Moses Itauma is the toughest test of his career.
Hrgovic challenges Itauma for the vacant IBF heavyweight world title on August 29 at the O2 Arena.
The Croatian has only been beaten once in his career against Daniel Dubois and has seen off the likes of Zhilei Zhang, Joe Joyce and Dave Allen in his most recent outing in May.
And despite being a major underdog with the bookmakers, ‘El Animal’ insists he’s not daunted by the prospect of facing the rising heavyweight.
“He’s not the biggest fight of my career,” the 34-year-old said to DAZN.
“I had tougher tests in WSB and amateurs, like very young kids.
“A lot of pressure on myself in many fights with Zhang, with Dubois so I think he’s just a kid.
“He’s talented, he’s quick, but I don’t think he’s the toughest opponent I’ve faced.”
Itauma is the consensus future of the division and enhanced his credentials with a brutal fifth round knockout of Jermaine Franklin in March.
The 21-year-old southpaw is undefeated in 14 professional bouts, although Hrgovic insists the Kent man is yet to face anyone of his experience and calibre.
“I’m the best opponent he’s faced,” he added.
“He’s never been until now in the ring with someone like me.
“With that kind of experience, endurance, toughness, power, so let’s see how good he is.
“Everyone says he’s a future superstar, future Lennox Lewis, let’s see.
“Right now I’m not impressed.
“I must see something more than this to believe he’s the real deal.
“I’ve never seen him receive a real punch. I’ve never seen him in a dangerous situation. I’ve never seen him struggling.
“In his boxing career and in his life everything so far has been easy.”
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Shortly after the bout was announced, Itauma was ordered to face Frank Sanchez for the vacant IBF title which was relinquished by Oleskandr Usyk.
Promoter Frank Warren revealed he paid Sanchez to step aside, with the Cuban set to face the winner.
“We paid [Sanchez] some money,” Warren told BBC Sport.
“We said whoever wins the fight, you’re not losing out and you’ll get the opportunity to fight for the title against the winner.”
