Filip Hrgovic Identifies Three Heavyweights With Greater Punching Power Than Moses Itauma

Filip Hrgovic has singled out three former opponents he believes struck harder than Moses Itauma, maintaining that the younger heavyweight never managed to hurt him during their bout in August.

Itauma began their heavyweight clash with explosive energy, even forcing a second-round knockdown that initially suggested a commanding lead.

However, the 21-year-old eventually faded from exhaustion, chasing a potential eighth-round finish that never materialized.

Hrgovic displayed immense durability, surviving the surge and waiting for the right moment to launch his own attack, culminating in a ninth-round stoppage.

The victory secured Croatia’s first-ever world heavyweight title, as the IBF champion now prepares to face mandatory challenger Frank Sanchez.

Speaking on his most recent performance, Hrgovic still praised Itauma as his toughest challenge to date, citing the prodigy’s exceptional speed and ring intelligence.

However, in an interview with The Stomping Ground, the 34-year-old clarified that Daniel Dubois, Zhilei Zhang, and David Adeleye all landed with greater impact during their respective encounters.

“I was never hurt in that [Itauma] fight. He connected [with] some good shots and I didn’t see his punches coming. He was fast, but I was never hurt.

“I felt some other fighters’ power more. Like David Adeleye – he hit me [with] the strongest punch I’ve ever received in my career.

“And Dubois, I felt [his power] more. And Zhang. So [Itauma isn’t] the biggest puncher I’ve faced.”

While Dubois and Zhang are both established knockout specialists, it is arguably unexpected that Hrgovic, who secured a victory over Itauma in their August showdown, rates Adeleye as the more damaging power puncher.

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