Filip Hrgovic has extra contract incentive to cause upset and beat Moses Itauma

Filip Hrgovic has suggested he is contracted to a WBO title clash with Daniel Dubois if he beats Moses Itauma.

Hrgovic has a big chance to upset the apple cart when he takes on British rising star Itauma on August 29 at London’s O2 Arena.

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Itauma is looking invicible so far in his heavyweight career at the age of 21 and is on the cusp of a multitude of world title options with victory.

But his Croatian rival, who has been round the block more on the fringes of world level, is supremely confident he can halt the hype train.

And he has revealed, ahead of their clash, that he will immediately earn an enforced rematch with Dubois if he wins.

He said: “It’s in the contract that if I beat Moses, I’ll challenge the WBO champion.

But now it’s a big test in front of me so I must take care of Itauma. Stylistically, it’s a harder fight because he’s quicker and southpaw.

“Dubois has much more achievements, he’s a two-time world champion. But stylistically, Itauma is a trickier fighter.

“But now, I’m sorry, but I will need to beat your guy. Your next big hope who everybody thinks is the next big thing.”

This will happen because Itauma currently holds the WBO mandatory status to Dubois’ belt.

But the winner could well have to wait for the shot, given ‘Dynamite’ himself is contracted to a sequel with Fabio Wardley.

Should the Croat win, he could also land a shot against WBC champion Agit Kabayel, who offered to face the winner.

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It is an exciting time for the victor after Oleksandr Usyk made the decision to vacate three of the four major title belts.

Itauma could have title shot if he wanted NOW

Fighting Hrgovic is a key part of Itauma’s development at this stage as he looks to build experience and rounds on his route to the top.

But for Itauma, he could now feasibly challenge for world honours.

His plans have been threatened recently, with the IBF making the decision to order him to fight for the vacant title.

He could drop out of his clash with Hrgovic and work his way into a shot for the belt against Frank Sanchez.

It is unclear if he would consider action, but in the past Itauma has rejected an eliminator with the Cuban dangerman.

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There are several routes Itauma could take, which could even include an immediate shot against new WBA champion Murat Gassiev afterwards.

But it is likely he will first look to deal with ‘El Animal’ in further dominant fashion to set out a statement before chasing silverware.