British-Nigerian heavyweight sensation Moses Itauma has declared that his motivation to beat Filip Hrgovic remains unchanged by news that the vacant IBF world title now hangs on the outcome of their fight, insisting the added prize means little to how seriously he takes the Croatian, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.

The 21-year-old will become the second-youngest heavyweight world champion in history behind Mike Tyson, who was 20 when he won the title, should he defeat Hrgovic at the O2 Arena on August 29.

Speaking to DAZN Boxing, Itauma was asked whether having a belt on the line added extra pressure to the contest.

“Not really, the belts just come with the performance. With boxing Hrgovic, I was taking him serious, and now the belt is on the line, I still take him serious.

“I want to beat him as much as I did before the belt was on the line,” he said. “Of course, it will be an honour. I’d love to be a world champion, but it’s about Filip Hrgovic himself.”

Itauma, who has previously said he values big names as much as belts, was asked which mattered more to him.

“Probably the names,” he said.

Hrgovic represents arguably Itauma’s toughest test yet. The Croatian has lost only to Daniel Dubois in his career, with victories over Dave Allen, David Adeleye and Zhilei Zhang on his record, while Itauma has won all 14 of his professional contests, 12 of them by knockout and all within the first six rounds, including stoppage victories over American Jermina Franklin and former world title challenger Dillian Whyte, whom he beat in the first round.

In a separate interview with British media, Itauma admitted he is not always comfortable in the spotlight but said he is ready to embrace a “long night” against the experienced Hrgovic.

“I didn’t really have no reaction. I was like, ‘if I’m fighting Hrgovic and I’ve got the opportunity for it to be for a world title? Yeah, chuck a world title on the line,’ I didn’t really have a feeling,” he said.

The Chatham-born fighter, who earned the world title shot in only his 15th professional bout, also responded to comparisons with Tyson after Teddy Atlas, the American’s former trainer, suggested Itauma is further ahead at this stage of his career.

“Teddy Atlas said that, yeah? To be honest, I am pretty sure Teddy Atlas put a gun to Mike Tyson’s head before, no? I just think he doesn’t like Mike Tyson and is finding a way to dim his light,” Itauma said. “Look, I don’t know, Teddy Atlas saying that, I do appreciate it. Tyson has had his career, and I am still making my career.”

Itauma, who first dreamed of becoming world heavyweight champion at 16 or 17, acknowledged the scale of the task ahead against Hrgovic, who has lost only once in his career, on a cut.

“Of course he’s a very good fighter. He’s only had one defeat, and he only lost because of the cut. Yeah, he’s solid. I’m in for a long night, but I’ll be all right,” he said.

Should he emerge victorious, Itauma already knows he would have to face mandatory challenger Frank Sanchez next.