'I'll be back' - Itauma responds to world-title defeat

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Highlights: Itauma misses out on world title after defeat by Hrgovic

ByAlastair TelferBBC Sport journalist

Published26 minutes ago

Moses Itauma vowed "I'll be back" after failing in his attempt to become the second-youngest ever heavyweight world champion on Saturday.

Britain's Itauma, 21, tore through his first 14 opponents but his team threw in the towel in the ninth round against Filip Hrgovic at O2 Arena, London.

Having appeared to punch himself out, Itauma was barely able to stand as Hrgovic, 34, applied pressure to end the fight.

"It wasn't my night, we attempted greatness and just fell short to the more experienced man," Itauma said on social media.

"I want to say congratulations to Filip Hrgovic on his win. And although I never reached my desired outcome, I believe I gained experience that I'll take to my future fights.

"God bless, take care and I'll be back."

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Itauma v Hrgovic: The Debrief

The vacant IBF title was on the line and Itauma was the favourite heading into the fight.

Hrgovic - who has lost only one professional fight, to Daniel Dubois in 2024 - is known for his durability, but he struggled to keep pace with Itauma early on.

However, his experience eventually told as the Briton was forced to leave the arena on a stretcher.

He was then taken to hospital and released overnight after having precautionary medical checks.

Queensberry Promotions boss Frank Warren believes Itauma needs a tactical rethink if he is to reach the top.

"That aura of invincibility, at the moment, is gone," Warren said. "People will look at that and maybe it will make it easier to make fights for him.

"He's still one of the most unbelievable talents I've ever been involved with. We'll stick with him. He needs a bit more ring craft and needs to stop thinking about knocking everyone out."