Itauma, 21, will also be the second youngest in history, after Mike Tyson, should he win the vacant IBF title in London. Hrgovic, however, is a big step-up and will be out to upset the applecart.

Ursu-Vaughan is just minutes away ... former long-reigning featherweight king Naseem Hamed is on punditry duty tonight and believes it's only a matter of time before Itauma joins him in the Hall of Fame once all is said and done.

"I love the fact I was his favorite fighter, it's an honor. I know this is very early to say but he's a future Hall of Famer, and that's before he wins a world title. For me, he's going to make a statement and a half tonight, I can feel it."

Vianello looks a bit sheepish centre ring as both hands are raised, Swansea's Jolly proceeds to celebrate a resume-enhancing draw (on 15 days' notice no less!) with an elaborate dance routine.

Acquitted himself well in what was essentially supposed to be the Italian's showcase, though was defensively porous and punished for that in spells.

Meanwhile, Constantin Ursu is looking mean backstage before his maiden title defense. If you can get near a TV or device, I'd advise you to shortly. Beautiful, if a bit brutal at times to watch.

A potential upset is brewing to kick off the main card, with Italian heavyweight contender Vianello (14-3-1, 12 KOs) looking worse for wear after six competitive rounds on his Queensberry debut against Moses Jolly (12-0, 8 KOs).

Former WBO lightweight title challenger Sam Noakes (18-1, 16 KOs) will seek an emphatic win at world-level when facing former beltholder Denis Berinchyk (19-1, 9 KOs) on tonight's main card.

British, Commonwealth welterweight champion Constantin Ursu (15-0, 6 KOs) makes his first title defense against Ben Vaughan (12-2, 4 KOs) while Nelson Hysa and new Queensberry recruit Guido Vianello are both in action.

Fancy some compelling pre-fight reading to get the juices flowing? Click HERE.

Hello and welcome to The Ring's live blog commentary as Moses Itauma faces a career-best challenge against bullish fellow contender Filip Hrgovic. The recently-vacated IBF heavyweight crown awaits tonight's winner, as the sport's glamour division continues to shake out among the elite.

My name's Mosope Ominiyi and I'll be taking you through the evening's action in London, with Declan Taylor on-the-ground from The O2 Arena. For the first time in a while, there's a big fight feel ... perhaps accelerated by yesterday's histrionics at the weigh-in.

Hrgovic believes he'll humble a man 13 years his junior and he very well might. Yet the experienced Croatian has also conceded the savvy southpaw standing opposite him tonight may prove too fast and youthful to deal with.

"This is the biggest boxing country in the world, so it's easy for you guys to make superstars. I don't buy the story, the hype. If you beat me like you beat Demsey McKean or Franklin, amazing, handshake and respect, but I'm not buying that. We'll see," he said during a DAZN face-off featured video published earlier this month.

Itauma tipped the scales at 241.7 pounds on Friday, while Hrgovic was a trim 236.2lbs - the lightest he has weighed since August 2019, where he stopped journeyman Mario Heredia in Mexico. He doesn't need telling, the importance of being nimble on his feet against a hard-hitting youngster who doesn't box like a heavyweight.