Governor Eno Backs Moses Itauma Ahead of IBF World Title Fight
Reported Mfon Patrick
Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has thrown his support behind Akwa Ibom-born heavyweight boxer Moses Itauma ahead of his highly anticipated clash with Croatian fighter Filip Hrgovic for the vacant International Boxing Federation (IBF) heavyweight world title.
The bout is scheduled for Saturday, August 29, 2026, at The O2 Arena in London, with the vacant IBF heavyweight championship on the line.
Eno Sends Goodwill Message to Itauma
Governor Eno conveyed his goodwill message through the Akwa Ibom Commissioner for Sports, Elder Paul Bassey.
The governor described Itauma as a worthy ambassador of Akwa Ibom and Nigeria, praising the young boxer’s dedication, courage and rapid rise in professional boxing.
Eno said Itauma’s achievements had continued to bring recognition to Akwa Ibom on the international sporting stage.
He urged the boxer to remain focused, disciplined and confident as he prepares for what will be the biggest fight of his professional career.
‘Akwa Ibom Is Behind You’
The governor assured Itauma that he would have the support and prayers of people across Akwa Ibom and Nigeria when he enters the ring.
“Akwa Ibom is behind you. Nigeria is behind you. Go forth and make us proud, Moses,” Eno said, adding: “ARISE, Moses, ARISE!”
The message comes as excitement builds around the title fight, which could represent a major milestone in Itauma’s young career.
Itauma Eyes World Title
Itauma enters the contest with an unbeaten professional record of 14 wins, including 12 victories by knockout. At 21, he has rapidly emerged as one of the most highly regarded young heavyweights in boxing.
A victory over Hrgovic would make Itauma the second-youngest heavyweight world champion in history, behind Mike Tyson.
The vacant IBF title became available after Oleksandr Usyk relinquished the championship earlier this year. The IBF subsequently sanctioned the Itauma-Hrgovic bout for the belt.
Hrgovic Presents Major Test
Standing in Itauma’s way is 34-year-old Filip Hrgovic, who has a professional record of 20 wins and one defeat, with 15 of his victories coming by knockout. His only professional loss came against Daniel Dubois in 2024.
The Croatian is regarded as Itauma’s toughest opponent to date, making Saturday’s encounter a significant test of the young heavyweight’s ability to compete at world-title level.
The build-up to the fight has also featured increasingly tense exchanges between the two fighters, with Hrgovic questioning Itauma’s experience and the Briton responding to what he described as disrespectful comments.
Akwa Ibom and Nigeria Await Historic Night
For Akwa Ibom, Itauma’s world-title opportunity represents another moment of international visibility for a state that has increasingly celebrated its athletes on the global stage.
Although Itauma was raised in Britain, he has embraced his Nigerian heritage. His father is from Eket in Akwa Ibom State, while his mother is Slovakian.
As he prepares to step into the ring in London, Governor Eno has urged him to carry the hopes and support of his supporters into the contest.
A victory would not only deliver Itauma his first world championship but could also mark the beginning of a new chapter in what has already been a remarkable young boxing career.
Moses Itauma vs Filip Hrgovic — Saturday, August 29, 2026, The O2 Arena, London. Vacant IBF World Heavyweight Title.
