Moses Itauma names surprise hardest-hitting heavyweight, overlooks Daniel Dubois
Rising British heavyweight prospect Moses Itauma has made a surprising declaration, identifying Croatian amateur Luka Pratljacic as the hardest-hitting boxer he has ever encountered. This candid assessment places Pratljacic above well-known power punchers like Daniel Dubois, and even Itauma himself, in terms of sheer destructive force.
The 21-year-old made these comments ahead of his significant fight against Filip Hrgovic, scheduled for August 29, 2026, at The O2 Arena in London. Itauma’s insights come from a direct sparring experience, offering a unique perspective from inside the ring.
An unexpected puncher: Luka Pratljacic
Itauma first revealed his surprising pick in a November 2025 interview with The Ring, during preparations for his January 2026 bout against Jermaine Franklin. He described Pratljacic’s punches in vivid terms, stating, “Honestly, when he hit me, it felt like being struck with a baseball bat.”
What makes this even more remarkable is Itauma’s anecdote about the equipment. He recalled thinking, “Somebody check his gloves,” only to realise Pratljacic was actually wearing Itauma’s own gloves. He noted that even shots that weren’t perfectly clean carried immense power, making a lasting impression on the undefeated prospect.
Luka Pratljacic remains largely outside the professional boxing spotlight. Itauma noted he was still an amateur or had perhaps just one professional fight at the time of their encounter. This makes Itauma’s assessment even more intriguing, highlighting an under-the-radar talent with exceptional punching power.
Moses Itauma’s impressive power track record
Moses Itauma isn’t just talking about power; he lives it. The Kent-based fighter boasts an impressive professional record of 14 wins with no losses, securing 11 of those victories by knockout as of July 14, 2026. Most of his wins have come within two rounds.
His recent performances underscore his reputation as a formidable knockout artist. Itauma scored a first-round win over Dempsey McKean in 2024 and in August 2025, he dispatched Dillian Whyte in the opening session. He also secured a knockout win over Jermaine Franklin.
Further solidifying his rising status, Itauma was named The Ring’s Prospect of the Year for 2024. By May 2025, the WBO president, Gustavo Olivieri, ranked him the number one world-rated heavyweight contender. This was followed by a WBA number one ranking in September 2025, and he also sits at number 10 in The Ring magazine’s heavyweight top 10.
Daniel Dubois and varying power assessments
Daniel Dubois, another formidable heavyweight, frequently enters discussions about the division’s hardest hitters. A two-time world champion, Dubois recently claimed the WBO belt by dethroning Fabio Wardley. He stands 196cm tall, giving him a slight height advantage over Itauma, who is 193cm.
Opinion on Dubois’s power varies among boxing commentators and fans. Some suggest his power might be “overstated,” believing he often secures stoppages through sheer volume rather than a single concussive blow. These observers might rate his power around 7.5-8.0 out of 10.
A Reddit discussion from March 2026 suggested Itauma’s power was “up there with DDD and Zhang but not more,” implying a similar tier. There was even a highlight video from December 2025 depicting Moses Itauma delivering a “brutal knockdown” of Daniel Dubois, indicating a shared, high-level intensity in their training or sparring.
Fabio Wardley: Itauma’s professional pick
While Luka Pratljacic earned the nod for the hardest puncher Itauma has encountered, the young Brit had a different answer when asked about the current hardest hitter in the professional ranks. In an interview with DAZN Boxing, Itauma named his stablemate and former WBO heavyweight world champion, Fabio Wardley.
Itauma drew a parallel to a legendary figure, stating, “Earnie Shavers of all time, and I would say Fabio Wardley currently.” Wardley’s record strongly supports this claim, with all but one of his 20 professional triumphs coming by way of knockout. This demonstrates his consistent ability to finish opponents.
However, Wardley recently lost his WBO crown and undefeated record to Daniel Dubois, who stopped him in their latest outing. Despite the defeat, Wardley quickly activated his rematch clause and is expected to challenge for his old belt again before the close of 2026. This shows his determination to reclaim his status.
The evolving heavyweight power landscape
Itauma’s insights highlight the complex nature of punching power in the heavyweight division. It’s not just about professional records or championship belts; sometimes, the most devastating force can come from unexpected quarters, as demonstrated by his experience with Luka Pratljacic.
The heavyweight landscape itself is undergoing a generational shift. With established names like Anthony Joshua and Deontay Wilder reportedly showing signs of decline, the door has opened for a new wave of heavy hitters to make their mark. This includes prospects like Itauma, Dubois, and Wardley, whose power is consistently put to the test.
Itauma’s broader philosophy on power is also telling. He mentioned other hard punchers he’s encountered, including Lawrence Okolie, Aloys Junior, and even Tyson. Ultimately, he believes “any heavyweight is capable of knocking another heavyweight out.” This perspective suggests that while some punches may feel like baseball bats, the inherent danger is universal in the division.
The focus on specific hard hitters, whether from sparring or professional bouts, underscores the premium placed on concussive power in boxing. It’s the ultimate equalizer, capable of ending a fight in an instant. As Itauma prepares for his August 29 clash with Filip Hrgovic, his own power will be under scrutiny.
Many consider Moses Itauma one of the most dangerous heavyweights globally due to his rapid stoppages. His candid remarks provide a fascinating glimpse into the raw, unadulterated power that exists across all levels of heavyweight boxing, from the amateur ranks to the world stage.