Former unified heavyweight boxing world champion Anthony Joshua has weighed into the debate following Moses Itauma’s shock loss to Croatia’s Filip Hrgovic on Saturday night at the O2 Arena.
Britain’s Itauma had been enjoying a meteoric ride up the rankings, having built a 12-0 record prior to Saturday night and the 21-year-old was much fancied to continue on that journey by fans and pundits alike.
However, the hype train was unceremoniously derailed by Hrgovic, who claimed the vacant IBF world title in the process and became the first Croatian heavyweight boxing world champion with a technical knockout in the ninth round.
Moses Itauma’s Shock Defeat vs Filip Hrgovic Explored
Action Images via Reuters/Peter Cziborra
Hrgovic weathered an almighty storm in the first half of the fight, taking significant shots and being visibly rocked on multiple occasions as Itauma dominated. Moses couldn’t put his experienced adversary away, though, and he paid the price.
The Brit emptied his gas tank with a barrage of punches in the eighth, but the Croatian stayed in the fight. ‘El Animal’ sensed his opportunity and took advantage as Itauma had nothing left to give and was too tired to adequately defend himself, forcing his corner to throw the towel in.
Joshua – who won Olympic gold in the super-heavyweight division at London 2012 – subsequently appeared to like an Instagram post questioning his former trainer Ben Davison’s methods.
Davison now trains Itauma, and it has been suggested that, with a different game plan, the British prospect could have secured his first world title.
Joshua’s account liked a post from boxer and coach Nathan Darby, who gave his opinion on the situation.
“I’m not a fan of blaming trainers every time a fighter loses, and I definitely don’t think fighters should jump ship after one bad night,” Darby wrote. “But when do we start questioning the coaching?
Modern training is heavily influenced by sports science, managing workload, recovery and knowing when the body has done enough. All important.
“But boxing isn’t just physical. There’s a mental toughness that can only be built by being pushed into uncomfortable places.
“After Itauma vs Hrgovic, and now seeing similar patterns with other Ben Davison fighters, I think it’s a fair conversation to have.
“Are majority of modern day fighters lacking elite mental strength due to modern training methods?”
Credit: Action Images via Reuters/Peter Cziborra
Fans will now be waiting for the dust to settle from this loss before looking at what Itauma’s next move will be. A quick rematch, however, doesn’t look to be on the cards as No. 1 contender Frank Sanchez is the mandatory challenger for the IBF title.
Itauma took to social media after the fight to thank his fans. “Yesterday wasn’t my night,” he posted. “We attempted greatness, and we just fell short to the more experienced man.
“I want to thank the fans in and outside the arena. You guys made it a little bit more special and a little bit more electrifying than I expected.
“Take care, and I’ll be back,” Itauma concluded.
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