As the IBF world heavyweight title fight at London’s O2 Arena approaches this Saturday, the tension between contenders Moses Itauma and Filip Hrgovic has escalated beyond the gym. During a media appearance on Tuesday, Itauma addressed recent disparaging comments made by Hrgovic, who reportedly labeled the younger fighter a “delusional kid” and mocked his training habits, specifically claiming Itauma spends his time “hugging trees.”

Itauma, who has previously maintained a composed demeanor, admitted that Hrgovic’s psychological tactics are beginning to have an effect. While he initially claimed that Hrgovic could not get inside his head, he conceded, “He’s really starting to annoy me.” The exchange highlights the growing personal animosity between the two athletes as they prepare for the high-stakes bout. Itauma noted that he views these comments as a deliberate attempt by Hrgovic to gain a mental advantage before they step into the ring. The fight represents a significant moment for both men, with the IBF title on the line, and the pre-fight rhetoric suggests that the matchup will be as much a mental battle as a physical one.