Filip Hrgovic lauded Moses Itauma after the surprising ninth‑round stoppage, but he also noted that the young Brit fought in a manner reminiscent of an amateur. The 34‑year‑old Croatian, who made history on Saturday night at The O2 by becoming Croatia’s inaugural world heavyweight champion and capturing the vacant IBF heavyweight belt, praised his opponent’s talent while pointing out the shortcomings that ultimately cost Itauma the bout.
Itauma, only 21 and unbeaten heading into the fight, started the contest strongly. For the first six rounds he landed a series of crisp, accurate punches that kept Hrgovic on the back foot. Observers noted his speed and technical precision, qualities that have earmarked him as one of the sport’s most promising prospects.
However, as the fight wore on, the young Brit began to show clear signs of fatigue. By the seventh round, a milestone in his career—having never previously lasted beyond six rounds—he was visibly winded and struggled to penetrate Hrgovic’s solid chin. The tide turned decisively in the ninth round.
Hrgovic, sensing his opponent’s waning stamina, unleashed a flurry that forced the British camp to throw in the towel. The stoppage sent shockwaves through the boxing community and sparked a flurry of commentary about both fighters’ performances.
In the post‑fight interview, Hrgovic praised Itauma’s natural ability, calling him "the most talented fighter in the heavyweight division" at the moment. Yet he was candid about the amateurish aspects of Itauma’s approach.
"Let me be honest, he’s amazing. I didn’t expect it to be this difficult; I thought I could handle him more easily," Hrgovic said. "He’s fast, you can’t see his punches coming, but he doesn’t hit hard.
From the first round I could see him gassing out, and he was still boxing like an amateur." He continued, "He’s inexperienced, and I realized early that my best chance was to stay in the fight, wear him down, and look for a stoppage later. That’s exactly what I did.
I came to London, his hometown, against the division’s brightest talent and beat the odds. I want to be recognized as the best heavyweight in the world – this is my time. I am the present; he is the future." Itauma entered the match with a reputation built on early knockout victories, and many had billed him as a potential future world champion.
The fight exposed a crucial area for development: pacing. Heavyweight bouts often extend well beyond the midway point, and a fighter who expends too much energy early can be vulnerable against a durable opponent like Hrgovic. The lesson for Itauma will be to manage his output, conserve stamina, and perhaps adopt a more measured, strategic style when facing seasoned veterans. After the stoppage, Itauma was carried out on a stretcher and taken to a hospital as a precaution.
Queensberry Promotions released a statement the following morning confirming that he had been discharged and was back home with his family. "Moses is well. He left the hospital last night and is back at home with his family," the spokesperson said.
Promoter Frank Warren emphasized the importance of the boxer’s health, noting, "We always prioritize the fighter’s wellbeing. He’s in the best place now, and we’ll get a full medical report before making any further decisions. He also suffered a leg injury and was clearly exhausted – it was a high‑tempo, fast‑paced fight for both men, edge‑of‑your‑seat action from start to finish." Warren also reflected on Itauma’s future, admitting uncertainty about his next steps.
"I don’t know what he’ll say. He’s a fighting man; he showed that right to the end.
Mentally, he’ll need time to recover. We’ll talk to him, lift his spirits, and see what he wants. It’ll take a while – maybe a couple of weeks or a month – before we discuss his next move," Warren explained.
The bout had broader implications beyond the immediate result. Itauma had been aiming to become Britain’s youngest heavyweight world champion, a milestone now out of reach.
Meanwhile, Hrgovic’s victory sets up his next challenge: a mandatory IBF defense against Frank Sanchez. The Croatian champion will look to cement his reign and possibly pursue unification bouts, while Itauma must regroup, address his conditioning, and refine his technique to fulfill the lofty expectations placed upon him. In summary, Hrgovic’s assessment of Itauma blends admiration with constructive criticism. He acknowledges the youngster’s speed, skill, and potential, but also highlights the amateur‑like approach that led to fatigue and ultimately defeat.
For Itauma, the path forward involves learning to pace himself, building experience against durable opponents, and perhaps incorporating more power into his arsenal while maintaining his technical edge. If he can make those adjustments, the boxing world may still witness the rise of a genuine heavyweight star.