Itauma Breaks Silence After Hospital Release
British heavyweight prospect Moses Itauma has been released from hospital after undergoing precautionary medical checks following his ninth-round stoppage loss to Filip Hrgovic at The O2 Arena in London. The 21-year-old was carried from the ring on a stretcher after the fight, as reported by ie.
In a video posted on Instagram, Itauma addressed his fans directly. "So, yesterday wasn't my night," he said. "We attempted greatness, and we just fell short to the more experienced man. 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."
He also thanked those who supported him: "I want to thank the fans in and outside the arena; you guys made it a little bit more special and a little bit more electrifying than I expected. It was a f*ing good fight, and I want to thank Queensberry and DAZN for putting this show on. So God bless, take care, and I'll be back."
The Fight and Its Aftermath
Itauma entered the bout as the overwhelming favorite to capture the vacant IBF title, having previously secured a fifth-round TKO over Jermain Franklin. He dominated the early rounds with his hand speed and movement, sweeping the first five rounds on many scorecards. However, Hrgovic, a sturdy Croatian veteran, absorbed the initial onslaught and gradually turned the tide.
By the eighth and ninth rounds, Itauma's stamina faded. Hrgovic forced him against the ropes in the ninth, and trainer Ben Davison threw in the towel with 30 seconds remaining, as reported by Essentially Sports and Yardbarker.
It was the first time Itauma had boxed beyond the sixth round in his professional career. In interviews before the fight, it was revealed he had not sparred for a full 12 rounds in training, according to ie.
Reactions from Warren and Hrgovic
Queensberry Promotions boss Frank Warren said the "aura of invincibility" is gone for Itauma but insisted he remains a "most unbelievable talent." Warren added that Itauma needs more ring craft and needs to stop thinking about knocking everyone out, as reported by ie.
Hrgovic, meanwhile, praised his opponent. "He's an amazing talent and will be world champion, but he needs more time and to pace himself," Hrgovic said, according to ie. He also said Itauma needs to adjust to professional boxing, calling it "a marathon, not a sprint." Yardbarker quoted Hrgovic as saying Itauma "needs more experience" but is "one of a kind."
Historical Comparisons
Several reports drew comparisons between Itauma's defeat and the 2004 bout between Wladimir Klitschko and Lamon Brewster at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Nevada. In that fight, Klitschko knocked down Brewster in the fourth round but gassed by the fifth and was stopped by referee Robert Byrd, as reported by Essentially Sports and Yardbarker.
Veteran boxing writer Adam Abramowitz said the Itauma-Hrgovic fight could become a reference point for upcoming fighters and trainers regarding the ability to take shots, according to Yardbarker.
Itauma failed to become the second-youngest heavyweight champion in history; Mike Tyson won the title at age 20 in 1986, as noted by Essentially Sports and Yardbarker.
Looking Ahead
Promoter Frank Warren remains optimistic about Itauma's future, though no specific timeline for his return has been given, according to Yardbarker. Itauma himself struck a defiant tone, insisting he will learn from the experience and come back stronger.