Chatham heavyweight Moses Itauma vows to return stronger after his first professional defeat against Filip Hrgovic.
Nigerian-British heavyweight Moses Itauma has expressed absolute confidence that he will challenge for a world title again by 2027, following the first defeat of his professional career against Croatia's Filip Hrgovic in August.
The 21-year-old Chatham boxer suffered the loss after establishing a dominant start, controlling much of the bout and scoring a second-round knockdown before fading due to his high output, according to information published by Boxing.
Reflecting on the setback in his first interview since the fight, Itauma stated he is taking valuable lessons from the experience as he looks ahead to future opportunities in the heavyweight division.
Reflecting on the First Professional Defeat
Prior to the August bout, the 21-year-old Chatham fighter had won all 14 of his previous professional bouts, with 12 coming by stoppage. Addressing the loss with BBC South East and Radio Kent, Itauma explained that he would rather finish third than second, noting that a runner-up spot leaves lingering thoughts about what could have been.
Despite feeling gutted by the outcome, the young heavyweight pointed out that he is still early in his career with only 15 professional fights under his belt. His opponent, 34-year-old Filip Hrgovic, entered the ring with a record of 20 wins and one defeat, boasting 15 stoppages alongside a 2016 Olympic bronze medal.
Hrgovic Praises the Talented Young Contender
Following the hard-fought encounter, Filip Hrgovic was quick to praise his youthful opponent, describing him as really good, special, and very fast. The Croatian veteran labeled the Chatham prospect as the most talented young fighter he had ever shared the ring with.
Hrgovic noted that the defeat would serve as a major shock and humiliation that could potentially derail a career if the athlete lacked mental toughness. However, the heavyweight veteran emphasized that if Moses Itauma recovers mentally, he will prove exceptionally difficult for anyone in the division to beat.
Lessons Learned and Future Outlook for 2027
Analyzing the turning point of the fight, Moses Itauma admitted that the high output eventually took its toll as he faded in the later rounds. He stated that the intense experience taught him lessons that could never be gained purely through sparring, reading, or coaching.
Looking forward, the Chatham boxer declared himself 100 percent confident that his next world title opportunity will arrive in 2027. He maintained that his identity remains deeply rooted in the sport, emphasizing that a single loss changes nothing about his long-term ambitions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who defeated Moses Itauma in his first world title fight?
Croatian heavyweight Filip Hrgovic defeated Moses Itauma in August, handing the 21-year-old Chatham boxer the first loss of his professional career.
When does Moses Itauma expect his next world title chance?
Moses Itauma stated that he is 100 percent confident his next world title challenge will take place in 2027.
What did Filip Hrgovic say about Moses Itauma after the fight?
Filip Hrgovic praised Moses Itauma as a special, very fast, and exceptionally talented young fighter, noting he would be hard to beat if he recovered mentally.
