London’s O2 Arena is set to host an expanded night of boxing on August 29, 2026, as Queensberry Promotions officially announced key additions to the Moses Itauma vs. Filip Hrgovic undercard. Fans can now look forward to high-stakes matchups featuring Sam Noakes against Denys Berinchyk and Constantin Ursu defending titles against Ben Vaughan.
This bolstered lineup promises to make the heavyweight clash a full-fledged event for boxing enthusiasts. The card, broadcast live on DAZN pay-per-view, aims to deliver memorable action across several weight divisions.
Itauma Hrgovic undercard expands with new bouts
The August 29 event at London’s O2 Arena will feature a compelling lineup. Here’s a breakdown of the confirmed bouts:
| Bout | Weight Class / Titles | Fighters (Record) |
|---|---|---|
| Main Event | Heavyweight (12 rounds) | Moses Itauma (14-0, 12 KOs) vs. Filip Hrgovic (20-1, 15 KOs) |
| Undercard Bout | Lightweight | Sam Noakes (18-1, 16 KOs) vs. Denys Berinchyk (19-1, 9 KOs) |
| Undercard Bout | British Welterweight Title and British and Commonwealth Lightweight Titles | Constantin Ursu (15-0, 6 KOs) vs. Ben Vaughan (12-2, 4 KOs) |
| Undercard Bout | Cruiserweight | Aloys Junior (11-1, 9 KOs) vs. Mike Perez (32-3-1, 22 KOs) |
Noakes returns to face veteran Berinchyk
One of the most anticipated additions to the Itauma Hrgovic undercard is the lightweight bout between England’s Sam Noakes and Ukraine’s Denys Berinchyk. Noakes, 28, holds an 18-1 professional record, including 16 knockouts, showcasing his considerable power.
He’s coming off a second-round stoppage victory over Benito Sanchez Garcia in May 2026, a bounce-back win after his sole professional loss to Abdullah Mason for the vacant WBO lightweight title in November 2025.
Berinchyk’s challenging comeback from layoff
Across the ring stands the 38-year-old Denys Berinchyk, with a 19-1 record and nine knockouts. A former WBO lightweight champion, Berinchyk hasn’t fought since February 2025 when he lost his WBO belt to Keyshawn Davis via knockout.
His return follows two shoulder operations, which inevitably raise questions about his form and resilience in this significant test. This fight offers a crucial opportunity for him to re-establish himself.
Ursu defends multiple titles against Vaughan
Undefeated Moldovan-born Constantin Ursu will put his British Welterweight Title and British and Commonwealth Lightweight Titles on the line against Ben Vaughan. The 26-year-old southpaw boasts a perfect 15-0 record, with six knockouts.
Ursu, who fights out of Plymouth, Devon, UK, seized the British Welterweight title from Owen Cooper in March 2026. This dual title defense underscores his versatility across weight classes.
Vaughan seeks upset against undefeated champion
Challenger Ben Vaughan enters the bout with a 12-2 record, including four knockouts. While his record might not immediately suggest an easy win, both of Vaughan’s professional losses have come via narrow majority decisions.
This indicates he’s a highly competitive fighter capable of pushing opponents to their limits. Vaughan will be looking to capitalize on any opening, aiming for an upset that could significantly elevate his career.
Cruiserweight clash features Junior vs Perez
Another intriguing matchup on the card features a cruiserweight contest between rising talent Aloys Junior and seasoned veteran Mike Perez. The 23-year-old Junior, with an 11-1 record and nine knockouts, has been on an impressive run since losing his pro debut in late 2021.
He’s secured 11 consecutive wins and already holds the Commonwealth title. This fight against Perez represents a crucial step up in competition for the young fighter.
Perez, 40, brings a wealth of experience, boasting a 32-3-1 record with 22 knockouts. The Cuban defector, now based in Ireland, hasn’t lost since Mairis Briedis defeated him in 2017. Veteran fighters like Perez often serve as vital gatekeepers for rising stars.
Main event: Itauma’s ultimate test
These undercard battles lay the groundwork for what promises to be an explosive main event: the 12-round heavyweight clash between Britain’s Moses Itauma and Croatia’s Filip Hrgovic. Itauma, just 21, holds a flawless 14-0 record with 12 knockouts.
The southpaw has rapidly climbed the heavyweight ranks, holding the WBO Inter-Continental, WBA International, and Commonwealth Heavyweight titles. His amateur career was equally distinguished, featuring an unbeaten 24-0 record.
Hrgovic aims to reassert heavyweight dominance
Filip Hrgovic, nicknamed “El Animal,” brings a 20-1 professional record with 15 knockouts. The 34-year-old Croatian, a 2016 Rio Olympics bronze medalist, suffered his only professional loss to Daniel Dubois in June 2024.
He’s since rebounded with key victories, including a unanimous decision over Joe Joyce in April 2025 and a third-round technical knockout against Dave Allen in May 2026. Heavyweight matchups of this caliber always draw significant attention.
O2 Arena primed for high-stakes boxing
The O2 Arena in London will once again be the epicenter of high-octane action on August 29, 2026. Queensberry Promotions has curated a card designed to captivate fight fans, ensuring every bout carries significant implications for the fighters involved.
This event isn’t just about the main heavyweight showdown; it’s about the collective narrative of established talents facing crucial tests and hungry prospects looking to make their mark. The anticipation continues to build for what promises to be a dramatic night of pugilism.
