Boxing experts predict Itauma v Hrgovic heavyweight bout outcome

Prince Naseem Hamed praises Moses Itauma before his fight on Saturday

Britain could have a new heavyweight world champion on Saturday when Moses Itauma faces Croatian Filip Hrgovic at London's O2 Arena for the vacant IBF title.

The 21-year-old Briton has won all 14 of his professional fights, 12 by stoppage, and has established himself as one of the division's most exciting young prospects.

A victory would make the Chatham fighter the youngest heavyweight world champion since Mike Tyson in 1986.

But Hrgovic is a major step up. The experienced 34-year-old - a 2016 Olympic bronze medallist - has a record of 20 wins and one defeat, with 15 victories inside the distance.

You can follow radio commentary from 21:00 BST on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra, BBC Sounds, BBC Sport website and app, before switching to BBC Radio 5 Live from 22:00.

Live text commentary will begin at 19:30 on the BBC Sport website and app.

BBC Sport spoke to figures from the boxing world to get their predictions for the bout.

"Hrgovic right now is possibly the best fighter for him to face. On paper it's a test but I don't think it will be a test. I don't think Moses will be under any form of pressure in a fight like this.

"I think it's going to be one of Moses' easiest nights of his career and he'll win a world title."

"I do have Itauma as the favourite. He is no doubt a better fighter but still unproven over the long distance. And think people are maybe just forgetting just how tough Hrgovic is and how good he is at taking a shot.

"I can see Itauma blowing him away early because he's so accurate but I can also see Hrgovic riding the storm and it becoming a more difficult fight in the second half for Itauma.

"But I still see Moses coming out on top. Hrgovic cuts a lot and I can see this being stopped on cuts because Itauma will hit him so often."

"It's a really good fight. It's a test that Itauma has been needing for a while. Stylistically, it's very interesting. I think this fight will be really hard or really easy. I don't see a middle ground where Itauma will cruise and will look great doing it.

"I think he either gets rid of him inside three rounds or this is the acid test we've all been waiting for.

"Hrgovic is brave and tough but he stands up tall and is quite easy to hit. Itauma has got the whole package. He's in and out of range, he's sharp. He's got the footwork and speed of a cruiserweight and the power of a heavyweight.

"I've said for a while that I'd back Moses againt any heavyweight on the planet, other than Oleksandr Usyk. Going by Usyk's last performance against Rico Verhoeven, I'd probably back Moses against him too.

"Hrgovic is technically good and will ask Itauma a few more questions than previous opponents. But ultimately, I think the speed and timing of Moses will be the difference.