ITAUMA WANTS HRGOVIC REMATCH

British-Nigerian heavyweight boxer Moses Itauma is eager to get an immediate rematch with Filip Hrgovic after suffering a dramatic ninth-round stoppage defeat at London’s O2 Arena.

The 21-year-old was leading comfortably on all three judges’ scorecards after eight rounds and was on course for victory before tiring badly in the ninth round.

Hrgovic took advantage of Itauma’s exhaustion, increasing the pressure and eventually securing a remarkable comeback stoppage victory.

The defeat denied Itauma the opportunity to become the second-youngest heavyweight world champion in boxing history.

Following the fight, Itauma left the ring on a stretcher and was taken to hospital, where he was later released.

After returning home, the young heavyweight reportedly contacted his long-time promoter, Frank Warren, to request an immediate rematch with Hrgovic.

However, Warren believes Itauma should take time away from boxing to recover physically and mentally before returning to the ring.

The promoter said Itauma had shown that he belongs at the highest level but must learn important lessons from the defeat.

Warren explained that Itauma appeared to have used too much energy during the early rounds, leaving him exhausted and unable to maintain his boxing performance in the later stages.

According to him, Itauma was comfortably ahead on points, and Hrgovic's best chance of winning was through a knockout.

Warren said he would prefer Itauma to have one or two fights against less difficult opponents before attempting another fight at the same level or pursuing a rematch.
 

Despite the setback, the promoter remains confident that Itauma can learn from the experience and achieve great things in the heavyweight division.