Filip Hrgovic secured the vacant IBF Intercontinental heavyweight title with a third-round technical knockout of Dave Allen at the Eco-Power Stadium in Doncaster on Saturday, May 16, 2026. Following the dominant display, the Croatian heavyweight immediately shifted his focus toward a potential summer clash against undefeated British prospect Moses Itauma. The referee halted the contest at 2:37 of the third round after Allen’s trainer, Jamie Moore, threw in the towel to protect his fighter from further damage.
The victory was broadcast live on DAZN and improved Filip Hrgovic’s professional record to 20-1 with 15 KOs. Dave Allen, whose record fell to 25-9-2, struggled to cope with the relentless pressure from the opening bell. Hrgovic controlled the center of the ring, landing heavy combinations and consistently pushing the Doncaster native onto the ropes. After a particularly punishing barrage in the third, Allen slipped to the canvas, and though he regained his footing, his corner decided he could no longer continue.
This match served as the first outing for Filip Hrgovic under a multi-bout deal with Frank Warren’s Queensberry Promotions. Reports indicate that Hrgovic opted for this partnership over an offer from Dana White’s Zuffa Boxing, a move that places him on a collision course with the 21-year-old Moses Itauma. Such promotional shifts are common in a division where veterans are constantly fighting to maintain their standing, often amid claims from rivals like Ruiz Jr. that certain heavyweights are overrated by the public.
Filip Hrgovic eyes August date at the O2 Arena
The conversation following the win quickly turned to an August 8 date at the O2 Arena in London. Filip Hrgovic expressed his readiness for a swift return to the ring, contingent on his physical condition. “I must win, I must look good, I must be without injuries,” Hrgovic said regarding the tight turnaround. “I’ll be healthy and ready for Moses in August after this fight.”
The potential matchup would see the experienced Hrgovic take on a southpaw in Moses Itauma who is currently 14-0 with 12 KOs. Itauma was expected to be ringside in Doncaster to watch the main event unfold as his own handlers prepare for a major step up in competition. The aggressive scheduling for the young Briton reflects broader trends in the sport, as seen in the boxing stock report where domestic prospects are increasingly matched against established world-class names.
Hrgovic remains critical of Itauma professional resume
Despite Moses Itauma’s rising reputation, Filip Hrgovic was far from complimentary regarding the youngster’s recent performances. While acknowledging that Itauma is fast and skilled, Hrgovic pointed to a lack of elite testing. He specifically referenced the 21-year-old’s fifth-round stoppage of Jermaine Franklin in March as an insufficient benchmark for world-level competition.
“He still didn’t receive one punch in his career,” Hrgovic remarked during his post-fight media duties. “He didn’t face any guys who fought back or who gave him hard rounds. It was just a walk in the park for him.” The Croatian went on to dismiss the prospect’s long-term aspirations, stating bluntly that “Moses will never reach the promised land.”
George Warren prioritises finalising the Itauma showdown
Queensberry promoter George Warren confirmed that a fight against Moses Itauma was always part of the contractual framework when Filip Hrgovic signed with the stable. Warren explained that the bout is one of the targeted options for the very near future. The promotional team is keen to maintain the activity levels of their newest heavyweight acquisition while pushing their top prospect into the limelight.
“Moses is booked for August,” George Warren stated. “As soon as we’re back in the office next week, that’s my job. Get that fight done and announced.” This urgency aligns with the current momentum in the weight class, where fighters like Sheeraz utilize title opportunities as a gateway to the sport’s biggest names and arenas.
With both the fighter and promoter in alignment, the heavyweight division prepares for a significant crossroads clash this summer. For Filip Hrgovic, the goal remains reclaiming his position in the world title picture. For Moses Itauma, the proposed August 8 date represents the most dangerous test of his career to date, as he seeks to overcome a veteran who has just proven his clinical finishing ability against Dave Allen.
