Arabic version: إيتاوما مرشح لنزال لقب الاتحاد الدولي للملاكمة الشاغر للوزن الثقيل

According to BBC News, Britain could have a new heavyweight world champion on Saturday when Moses Itauma meets Croatia’s Filip Hrgovic for the vacant IBF belt at London’s O2 Arena. The 21-year-old from Chatham is unbeaten in 14 professional bouts, with 12 stoppage wins.

A win would make Itauma the youngest heavyweight world champion since Mike Tyson in 1986. Hrgovic presents a significant test: the 34-year-old, a 2016 Olympic bronze medallist, has 20 wins and one defeat, including 15 victories inside the distance.

Every boxer, trainer and broadcaster approached by BBC Sport selected Itauma. Former featherweight champion Prince Naseem Hamed said Hrgovic was “possibly the best fighter for him to face” but predicted what he described as one of Itauma’s easiest nights. Carl Frampton also backed Itauma, while warning that Hrgovic is tough, durable and unproven territory remains over a long distance for the British fighter.

Tony Bellew predicted Itauma would stop Hrgovic inside three rounds, describing the contest as either very difficult or very easy for the younger man. Anthony Crolla forecast a sixth- or seventh-round stoppage, while Paul Smith, Dave Coldwell, Ade Oladipo and Barry Jones also anticipated an Itauma stoppage. Several pointed to Hrgovic’s history of cuts and Itauma’s speed, timing and accuracy as possible deciding factors.

Jeamie TKV said Hrgovic would arrive prepared and would not be a pushover, but backed Itauma to win by any means. Adam Smith called the bout the “acid test” for Itauma, noting Hrgovic’s opportunity to win a world title. Radio commentary starts at 21:00 BST on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra, BBC Sounds and BBC Sport before moving to BBC Radio 5 Live at 22:00, with live text beginning at 19:30.