Filip Hrgovic, the new IBF heavyweight champion, urged Moses Itauma not to quit after stopping the 21‑year‑old Briton with a dramatic late turnaround at London’s O2 Arena on Saturday night.
Itauma was taken to hospital as a precaution. His promoter, Frank Warren, told CuriosityNews on Sunday that the young heavyweight remained under observation.
"He’s still in hospital, under observation," Warren said. "He’ll likely be discharged today; he arrived late, rested and is being tested. He should be fine. I’ve messaged him a few times and he replied. We’ll speak later."
Hrgovic recalled losing the first eight rounds to the “amazing” Itauma, whom he also called “the best and most talented fighter in the division,” but said nine years as a professional gave him the edge.
The 34‑year‑old Croatian noted that Itauma made basic pacing errors and, despite his speed and skill, resorted to brawling in the final two chaotic rounds. "My advice is to not give up, keep confidence, take easy fights, win, rebuild and learn from these errors. You can’t box like an amateur; it’s a 12‑round bout, a marathon, not a sprint."
When asked if he had planned to take the fight into the later rounds, Hrgovic shook his head. "I expected to land early, but I couldn’t match his speed. He’s very fast; I never saw his punches or counters coming. I thought it would be easier, but I just couldn’t land."
Hrgovic blamed Itauma’s inexperience for the collapse after building a wide lead on the cards. "He’s a kid. He could have kept distance, used his legs and boxed. He was winning every round, but in round nine he went toe‑to‑toe with me—a poor decision. It was inexperience. He’s an amazing fighter but still young."
Itauma left the ring on a stretcher after receiving oxygen. At the post‑fight press conference Warren said: "It’s precautionary that he’s in hospital. That’s what we always do, because the boxer’s health is the most important thing."
He added: "He hurt his leg and was fatigued. It was a high‑paced, fast fight for both men." Warren, who also promotes Hrgovic, praised the Croat as a "classy guy, a classy champion. He’s been honest about how hard the fight was for him too."
Read next
Addisu Gobena breaks Sydney Marathon record while Jepchirchir secures fourth women's major win
Ethiopia’s Addisu Gobena set a new record at the Sydney Marathon, winning the men’s race in 2:04:42, more than a minute and a half faster than the former best time on the hilly harbour course that attracted 40,000 entrants worldwide. The 21‑year‑old, who
Lando Norris signs new contract with McLaren, committing until 2030 and calling the team his 'second family'
Lando Norris has said he wants to end his racing career with McLaren, after the reigning Formula One champion confirmed a multi‑year contract that runs until at least 2030 with the team he calls “a second family”.
The 26‑year‑old, who captured his first world title last season,
Erasmus's clever play and Kolisi's brilliance spur Springboks to equal series against All Blacks
Springboks are back, the series now level after they reverted to their hallmark mix of power, directness, ferocity and sheer aggression to edge New Zealand and repel a determined All Blacks resurgence. Coach Rassie Erasmus sparked the drama by swapping his entire front row only an hour before kickoff, a