LONDON, England — Heavyweight Filip Hrgovic believes an in-shape Dillian Whyte is capable of taking Moses Itauma into ‘deep water’ and sealing a surprise victory.

Hrgovic takes on David Adeleye in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on Aug. 16 to decide which of the two contenders will press on towards a world title shot.

That fight is part of the Esports World Cup event, headlined by Itauma against Whyte, live on DAZN pay-per-view, and Hrgovic is not ruling out an upset in the main event.

Itauma is a huge favourite to beat Whyte, 37, who has managed just two low-key outings in the last 33 months. In the same time frame, Itauma (12-0, 10 KOs) has kicked off his career and been widely tipped to go all the way in the division.

But, when asked whether or not he expects Itauma to surge past Whyte, too, Hrgovic predicted that the veteran puncher might just spoil the party as long as he turns up in the best shape possible.

"Dillian Whyte hasn't fought for a long time and I don't know what shape he will come in at, but he's always tough," Hrgovic told The Ring.

"He's brave and he's a big, tough guy. Moses is much faster and is a better fighter, but I think Dillian Whyte will give him a good test.

"Can he win? Why not? I think if he endures the first few rounds and doesn't get caught he can put him in deep water.

"He's much more experienced and went through a lot in his career, but the question is: What kind of shape is he in? If he comes in great shape, like he used to be in some fights, he can win. Why not?"

Itauma went the distance in a couple of six-rounders in 2023, but his other 10 fights have ended inside the first or second rounds, without him ever experiencing a crisis of his own.

For Hrgovic, that means the jury is still out on how he will handle a full-blooded shot from Whyte were it to land.

"So far what we've seen, he's good, he's skilful but we will see," Hrgovic added.

"Do we know if he is a real warrior when he didn't receive a good punch in his whole career so far? We'll see from what material he is made.

"And the first test of that will be Dillian Whyte. We know he can punch so we will learn about Itauma in this fight.

"But he is only 20. Even if he loses this one, he will be around for some time so I think I will definitely fight him in the future."