Moses Itauma: Briton 'humiliated', but may never lose again - Filip Hrgovic - BBC Sport
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Itauma 'humiliated' but may never lose again - Hrgovic
Image source: Getty Images
Image caption: Moses Itauma has only lost one of his 15 professional fights
By Steve Sutcliffe, BBC Sport journalist
Published 1 hour ago
Moses Itauma may never lose again if he can get over the "humiliation" of his IBF heavyweight title defeat, says Filip Hrgovic, who stunned the Briton in August. The Croatian, 34, stopped Itauma, who had been the strong pre-fight favourite, in the ninth round of their meeting at the O2 Arena.
The early signs suggested Itauma had the measure of his opponent, with Hrgovic touching the canvas in the second round and conceding that he was "outboxed" early on. Hrgovic took advantage when Itauma tired but stressed the 21-year-old southpaw is so skilful that he could go on to have a hugely successful career if he learns from his loss.
"He's really good. He's special. Very fast, very talented and he countered whatever I tried with his speed and timing." - Filip Hrgovic
While Hrgovic, who wants to unify the division, praised Itauma's boxing abilities, he suggested doubts remain over his mentality.
"It was big shock for him, big humiliation, so maybe it's the end of his career if he's not mentally tough," Hrgovic added. "If he recovers from this loss, mentally, it will be hard for anyone to ever beat him again."