Itauma Weighs 241.7 lbs, Pushes Hrgović Off Stage in London Scuffle

Moses Itauma tipped the scales at 241.7 pounds before a physical altercation with Filip Hrgović at Spitalfields Market.

Moses Itauma weighed in at 241.7 pounds on Friday, outweighing Filip Hrgović by 9.1 pounds ahead of their heavyweight championship bout in London. During the final face-off at Spitalfields Market, the 21-year-old Brit pushed his Croatian opponent off the stage following an expletive-laden confrontation. Hrgović, who tipped the scales at 232.6 pounds, lost his balance and fell before returning to the platform to strike Itauma in the face. Security personnel intervened to pull the fighters apart as the crowd in East London reacted to the physical exchange.

Itauma enters the ring with a professional record of 14-0 including 12 knockouts. He is attempting to secure his place in history as the youngest heavyweight champion ever from Britain and the second youngest globally. His opponent, Hrgović, holds a record of 20-1 with 15 knockouts and seeks to become the first heavyweight titleholder from Croatia. Following the scuffle, Itauma admitted he "lost it a little bit" but stated he was ready to compete, while Hrgović described the physical retaliation as scratching an itch.

Verbal Jabs and Psychological Warfare

The build-up to this Saturday clash has been defined by verbal friction, with Hrgović repeatedly dismissing the 21-year-old prospect. The Croatian veteran has labeled Itauma as "a kid" and "delusional," suggesting that the Brit lacks the maturity required for a fight of this magnitude. Hrgović claimed during Thursday’s press conference that he intends to "smash the kid" and send him "back to high school," asserting that his own experience and age provide a significant advantage in the ring.

Itauma acknowledged earlier in the week that the taunts were beginning to affect his composure. Hrgović further intensified the rhetoric by stating that a victory for the veteran would be detrimental to Itauma’s "soul" and could potentially ruin the young fighter's career by providing too much success too early. Despite these claims, promoter Frank Warren has praised Itauma, even drawing comparisons to the impact of Prince Naseem Hamed.

Heavyweight Title Implications

The physical altercation on Friday morning served as the final meeting before the two knockout artists square off. Both fighters are vying for a heavyweight crown, with Hrgović emphasizing that he is the more seasoned athlete. The Croatian fighter has questioned whether Itauma has been "spoon-fed" or "wrapped in cotton wool" throughout his 14-fight career, suggesting that the level of opposition Itauma has faced will not prepare him for the upcoming contest.

Itauma’s heavier weight of 241.7 pounds marks his physical preparation for the bout, while Hrgović’s leaner 232.6-pound frame reflects his tactical approach. The winner will emerge with a significant heavyweight title, marking a milestone for either British or Croatian boxing history. Fans gathered in large numbers at the Spitalfields Market venue to witness the 09:21 AM ET weigh-in, providing a loud reception for the local favorite as he prepares for his 15th professional appearance.