Itauma's loss was 'humiliation' but could make him unbeatable, says Hrgovic
Croatian boxer Filip Hrgovic says his August stoppage win over Moses Itauma was a humiliating blow for the young Briton, but if he recovers mentally, he could become nearly impossible to beat.
Croatian heavyweight Filip Hrgovic, 34, has spoken about his stunning ninth-round stoppage victory over Moses Itauma in August, a result that cost the young Briton his IBF heavyweight title at the O2 Arena. Itauma, 21, had entered the fight as the strong favourite.
The early rounds favoured Itauma, with Hrgovic even hitting the canvas in round two. Hrgovic admitted he was outboxed in the opening stages before turning the fight around as his younger opponent began to tire.
Praise for a rare talent
Hrgovic described Itauma as exceptionally fast, skilful and intelligent in the ring, saying the southpaw countered his every move with speed and timing. The Croatian said that in 20 years of boxing, including sparring, he had never been outboxed the way Itauma outboxed him.
Questions over mental toughness
Despite his admiration for Itauma's ability, Hrgovic suggested the real test for the Briton now is psychological rather than physical. He said the defeat was a major shock and humiliation that could end some fighters' careers if they cannot recover mentally. However, if Itauma manages to overcome the setback mentally, Hrgovic believes he could become extremely difficult for anyone to beat in future.
Hrgovic said a comeback would require a brutal, demanding training camp, noting that Itauma appeared physically ready for their fight but fell short on the mental side. Hrgovic also expressed his ambition to unify the heavyweight division going forward.
