Boxing pundits see bright future for Itauma despite title defeat
Moses Itauma lost his IBF heavyweight title bid to Filip Hrgovic in the ninth round at the O2 Arena, having led on the scorecards through the early rounds. Despite the stoppage, analysts Shakur Stevenson and Tony Bellew praised the 21-year-old's talent and predicted he will eventually become world champion. Hrgovic became Croatia's first heavyweight champion after weathering Itauma's fast start.
Itauma entered the bout with only 31 professional rounds under his belt, and his inexperience showed once the fight extended past the sixth round for the first time in his career. His early speed and power had him ahead on the scorecards, but fatigue set in as the rounds progressed, leading to the ninth-round stoppage. Hrgovic, at 34, weathered the storm and secured Croatia's first heavyweight world title.
The defeat has sparked debate about Itauma's training approach. Eubank Jr questioned why a 21-year-old would gas out so noticeably, suggesting a rethink of his camp. Bellew highlighted Itauma's toughness as a positive takeaway, while noting that learning to pace himself over 12 rounds will be crucial. Davison nearly stopped the fight earlier but hesitated before the towel finally came in.
This defeat could reshape expectations around young heavyweights, showing that hype must be tempered by experience. Itauma's setback may influence how promoters match rising prospects, potentially slowing the rush toward title shots. For British boxing fans, the result offers a reality check while still generating optimism about the division's future. Hrgovic's victory also expands the sport's global reach, giving Croatia a new boxing hero.