Oleksandr Usyk has given his take on Moses Itauma’s upcoming fight with Filip Hrgovic.
Itauma faces Hrgovic for the vacant IBF heavyweight world title, which Usyk vacated alongside his WBC and WBA belts in June.
Despite being widely regarded as the future of the division, Hrgovic is believed to be the unbeaten 21-year-old’s toughest opponent on paper when they clash on August 29 at the O2 Arena, live on DAZN.
Usyk believes the Croatian could pose the Brit some problems, but does not feel he’s a major test.
“He’s not a big test, but it’s a test,” the 39-year-old said to DAZN.
“Because Itauma for me is a special guy.
“He’s very relaxed before a fight, after a fight.
“No trash talk [just] training, training.
“It’s [the] future, because it’s a young guy, 21.
“We’ll see.”
Hrgovic warmed up for his meeting with the talented southpaw with a third round stoppage of Dave Allen in May, while his rival halted Jermaine Franklin in five rounds in March to claim his 14th professional victory.
The winner of Itauma-Hrgovic will have to face Frank Sanchez, who accepted a step aside offer from Frank Warren to enable the pair to contest the vacant strap.
Two-time undisputed heavyweight champion, Usyk has confirmed he has one fight remaining in his illustrious career.
The Ukrainian great stopped ex-kickboxing champion, Rico Verhoeven in Egypt in May, but many felt the stoppage was called too early.
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Usyk is keen to face former heavyweight world champion, Deontay Wilder in his final bow, although ‘The Bronze Bomber’ has also been linked with a rematch with Derek Chisora, who he beat by split decision in April.
“Now we have two options,” he said to The Athletic.
“But what for me is good, we will take.
“The team is working on it.
“Why not?
“If Deontay’s team wants it, I do it.”
