Moses Itauma’s quest to become the youngest heavyweight world champion since Mike Tyson ended in a shock defeat by Filip Hrgovic.
Itauma, who was bidding to become the second-youngest ever heavyweight world champion, saw his team throw the towel in the ninth round at the O2 Arena.
The manner of his loss doesn’t tell the story though, with the 21-year-old having dominated the contest up until that ninth round.
Itauma came out of the traps from the first bell and even secured a second-round knockdown of the 34-year-old.
However, the Chatham-based southpaw’s stamina diminished due to his relentless pace, allowing Hrgovic – who withstood multiple ferocious punches – to capitalise and have the Brit on the ropes.
And in the ninth round, Itauma’s corner had seen enough as they threw the towel in with their man barely able to stand and his body swaying in the corner.
Filip Hrgovic: I’m the present, Moses Itauma is the future
Credit to Hrgovic though as his experience weathered the storm at the O2 Arena.
Speaking about his victory, the Croatian reflected: ‘He is the best I have been in the ring with, but he needs more experience. I knew I was losing the round, but I knew that I had the pace in my favour. He needs more experience, but he is one of a kind,’ Hrgovic said.
‘From the first round, I saw his gassing out. He started fast. I knew he was going to gas out. I knew when my chance came I needed to push. That is what I did.
‘He’s an amazing fighter,’ Hrgovic said. ‘I am the present. He is definitely the future.’
For Itauma – who left the ring on a stretcher to have medical treatment – the future still looks very bright, despite the loss.
Breaking his silence on Sunday, he said: ‘It wasn’t my night, we attempted greatness and just fell short to the more experienced man,’ Itauma said on social media.
‘I want to 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.
‘God bless, take care and I’ll be back.’
