PHOTO CREDIT: Moses Itauma / Instagram via The Ring / Punch Newspapers
Itauma Speaks After First Career Loss to Hrgovic, Vows Comeback
British heavyweight prodigy Moses Itauma has broken his silence after suffering the first defeat of his professional career against Croatia’s Filip Hrgovic.

The 21-year-old was stopped in the 9th round of their vacant IBF heavyweight title fight on Saturday night at The O2 Arena in London. Itauma had dominated the opening seven rounds and was attempting to become Britain’s youngest ever world heavyweight champion, but ran out of gas in the 8th round after pushing for a knockout.

He received oxygen in the ring and was carried out on a stretcher before being taken to hospital as a precaution. He was discharged in the early hours of Sunday and returned to his home in Chatham, Kent.

In a video message posted on Sunday showing bruising around his face, Itauma said:
“Yesterday was not my night. We attempted greatness and we just fell short to the more experienced man. I wanna say congratulations to Filip Hrgovic on his win and although I never reached my desired outcome, I believe I gained experience that I’ll take to my future fights.”

“I wanna thank my fans in and outside of the arena. You guys made it a little bit more special and electrifying than I expected. It was a f*****g good fight and I wanna thank Queensberry and DAZN for putting this show on. So, God bless, take care and I’ll be back.”
The loss ends Itauma’s unbeaten run, leaving his record at 14 wins and 1 loss (12 KOs). Hrgovic, who improved to become Croatia’s first heavyweight world champion, claimed the vacant IBF title.

Promoter Frank Warren is now expected to oversee the rebuilding phase of Itauma’s career. Former world champion Tyson Fury also reacted to the defeat, telling Bloody Elbow: “It’s boxing, it happens.”

SOURCE: Punch Newspapers –