By Teddy Nwanunobi
Itauma breaks silence after Hrgovic knockout
British-Nigerian boxer, Moses Itauma, has admitted that he “fell short to the more experienced” fighter in his ambition to claim a heavyweight title last Saturday night.
Itauma, who was led out on a stretcher, following his loss to Croatian Filip Hrgovic in the ninth round of their IBF world heavyweight title clash at the O2 Arena in London, however, expressed confidence that he would come back stronger.
In a video posted to his Instagram page, the 21-year-old admitted the fight did not go his way but promised to return stronger.
“So, Saturday was not my night. 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 will take to my future fights,” Itauma said.
He thanked fans who turned out for the bout, as well as promoters Queensberry and broadcaster DAZN, and vowed to be back in the ring.
Itauma had controlled large portions of the contest but appeared to tire badly from the eighth round, absorbing heavy punishment before the fight was waved off in the ninth. It was the first time he had gone beyond six rounds as a professional.
Hrgovic praised his opponent afterwards, describing him as the best fighter he had faced but pointing to a gap in experience.
“He is the best fighter I have been in with, but he needs more experience; he gassed out. I knew from the first round that he would gas out and then I would push, and that is what I did,” the 34-year-old said.
Promoter Frank Warren said Itauma had picked up a leg injury during the fight, and would need to work on his ring craft before his next outing, though he backed the youngster to remain one of the most talented heavyweights in the division.
Hrgovic also tipped Itauma to become a world champion in time, provided he learns to pace himself over longer distances.