Moses Itauma says body shut down in first defeat against Filip Hrgovic

The 21-year-old is expected to return in January, but an immediate rematch is off because Hrgovic must first face Frank Sanchez in an IBF mandatory defence.

By Combat Sports UK Staff · Published Fri 16 Oct, 16:15 UK · AI-assisted reporting

Post by @ringmagazine on X

Moses Itauma has said his body began shutting itself down in the ninth round of his defeat by Filip Hrgovic, the first loss of the 21-year-old's amateur or professional career.

Itauma said he was winning the fight comfortably and had no worries until a couple of minutes into round nine, when he felt he was moving in slow motion while Hrgovic was in fast motion. He put it down to exhaustion, but said that at no point did he feel he was making mistakes.

The defeat took time to sink in. Itauma said: “For a long time, I couldn't accept it had happened.” He said the fight was for the heavyweight championship of the world and that round nine was only the third round he had lost in his boxing career. Despite the result, he said he was proud of a performance he felt matched his knowledge, talent and experience at the time. He added: “I'm not tripping over it. I attempted greatness, and I fell short.” On Hrgovic, Itauma said the Croatian's skill did not surprise him but his durability did stand out. He said he had been an arm's length away from greatness and that the fight may have been the experience he needed. He said he would be back and that losing had not changed his identity as a boxer.

Itauma is expected to return to the ring in January. He had hoped for an immediate rematch, but Hrgovic must first fulfil his IBF mandatory obligation against Frank Sanchez.