Moses Itauma Breaks Silence After First Career Defeat And Hospital Visit

British-Nigerian heavyweight Moses Itauma has promised to return stronger after suffering the first defeat of his professional boxing career against Filip Hrgovic at London’s O2 Arena on Saturday, August 30.

The 21-year-old heavyweight was stopped in the ninth round of their IBF world heavyweight title bout and was subsequently taken to hospital as a precaution after being stretchered from the arena.

Itauma was discharged in the early hours of Sunday before addressing the outcome of the fight in a video shared on Instagram. He acknowledged that the bout had not gone according to plan but said he considered the experience valuable to his development.

According to Bush Radio Academy, Itauma congratulated Hrgovic on the victory and admitted that the Croatian’s greater experience played an important role in the outcome. He also expressed appreciation to his supporters, Queensberry and DAZN before assuring fans that he would return to the ring.

Itauma had enjoyed a strong start to the contest and controlled significant portions of the fight. However, his energy levels appeared to decline considerably in the eighth round, allowing Hrgovic to gain momentum before securing the stoppage in the ninth.

The loss ended Itauma’s previously unbeaten professional record, which stood at 14 victories, and marked the first occasion he had been taken beyond six rounds in his professional career.

Hrgovic praised Itauma after the contest, describing him as the best opponent he had faced while pointing to the youngster’s limited experience and difficulties maintaining his energy over the later rounds.

The Croatian said he recognised early in the fight that Itauma could struggle with his stamina and deliberately increased the pressure as the contest progressed.

Itauma’s promoter, Frank Warren, disclosed that the boxer suffered a leg injury during the bout and would need to improve aspects of his ring craft. However, Warren maintained that the young heavyweight remains one of the most talented prospects in the sport.

Former heavyweight world champion Tyson Fury also played down the significance of Itauma’s first professional defeat, describing losses as part of boxing.

Hrgovic similarly backed Itauma to become a world champion in the future, urging the young fighter to learn how to manage his pace more effectively during longer contests.

Despite the setback, Itauma’s camp remains confident that the defeat will provide valuable experience as he continues his development in the heavyweight division.