Filip Hrgovic believes that Moses Itauma might never suffer another defeat if he can overcome the “humiliation” of losing his IBF heavyweight title. The Croatian fighter, 34, shocked the British boxer in August by stopping him in the ninth round at the O2 Arena, despite Itauma being the strong favorite beforehand.
Early in the fight, Itauma seemed in control, with Hrgovic even hitting the canvas in the second round and admitting that he was “outboxed” during the initial stages. However, Hrgovic capitalized on Itauma’s fatigue later in the bout. He emphasized that the 21-year-old southpaw is incredibly skilled and if he learns from this setback, he has the potential for a remarkable career ahead.
“He’s really talented—fast and smart. He countered everything I tried with his speed and timing,” Hrgovic said. “In my 20 years of boxing, I’ve never been outboxed the way I was by such a young, gifted fighter. Many fast opponents are smaller heavyweights and can be overpowered, but he’s both quick and strong with excellent ring IQ.”
While Hrgovic praised Itauma’s technique, he expressed concerns about his mental resilience. “The defeat was a huge shock and humiliation for him. If he lacks mental toughness, this could be the end of his career. But if he bounces back mentally, he could become nearly unbeatable.”
Hrgovic pointed out that many fighters never return after a loss like this. “Recovery demands intense, unforgiving training and mental preparation. Physically, I think he was ready, but mentally, that’s the real challenge.”
Fan Take: This moment is pivotal for heavyweights and fight fans alike, as Itauma’s response to such a tough setback could shape the future of the division. If he returns stronger, we could witness the rise of a new heavyweight star, adding depth and excitement to the sport’s heavyweight landscape.
Source: sports.yahoo.com
