Moses Itauma vs Dillian Whyte is the main event in Riyadh on Saturday night, but there is a pretty appetising heavyweight starter as well.
Filip Hrgovic vs David Adeleye features one man trying to get back to world level and another trying to crack the elite for the first time.
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Hrgovic (18-1 with 14 wins inside distance) was well on the road to a potential world title shot, and one of the most avoided men in the division, when he ran into Daniel Dubois in Riyadh last June. He would lose by eighth-round stoppage, his perfect record in tatters.
‘El Animal’ returned in April in Manchester as a late stand-in for the injured Dillian Whyte and despite the lack of a full preparation he overcame Joe Joyce via an entertaining decision win.
Adeleye (14-1 with 13 KOs) has only stepped up to fight a ranked heavyweight once, and that ended in disaster as he was stopped in seven rounds by the fairytale that is Fabio Wardley in Riyadh in October 2023.
On Saturday night the pair meet in Riyadh, and Hrgovic is a strong favourite to continue his march back towards the top. One man who believes he will be far too good is Moses Itauma.
Itauma on Hrgovic vs Adeleye
The 20-year-old Kent sensation said: “I think you’re actually gonna really see that Hrgovic, you’re actually gonna really see the difference of levels. I feel like David’s done a very good job of convincing people he’s a lot better than he is. And I don’t mean that disrespectfully. Like, I think he’s a cool guy.
“I just think his boxing level isn’t as good as what people think. And that’s because he packs power, which kind of overshines the skill level. But when you’re actually there with a skillful guy who’s been in the ring with people that can punch, like, I think you’re gonna really see the difference.”
A win for Hrgovic is absolutely mandatory if he wants to remain in contention for a title shot in the near future, while for Adeleye it’s a huge opportunity to announce himself on the world stage.
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