Photo via BBC Sport

Itauma confident of second chance at world title

British heavyweight prospect Moses Itauma remains undeterred after his August world title loss to Croatian veteran Filip Hrgovic, insisting his career is far from over. The 21-year-old, who entered the bout with an unbeaten 14-fight record—including 12 stoppage wins—knocked down Hrgovic in the second round but ultimately fell to the more experienced fighter.

Despite the setback, Itauma called the defeat a learning experience, emphasizing how the fight’s pressure and physical toll revealed lessons no training could replicate. Hrgovic, a 34-year-old Olympic bronze medalist with 20 wins and just one prior loss, praised Itauma’s talent but noted the young boxer’s stamina was tested by his relentless pace.

Born in Slovakia to Slovak and Nigerian parents, Itauma credits his Chatham, Kent, upbringing for his resilience, recalling how local support—including from a gym-goer who shared his childhood path—reinforced his determination to return stronger. Already targeting a 2027 title shot, Itauma framed the loss as motivation, vowing to channel the disappointment into a comeback while acknowledging the psychological weight of falling just short of history as the youngest heavyweight champion since Mike Tyson in 1986.

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