British-Nigerian heavyweight boxer Moses Itauma has been discharged from hospital and is recovering at home with his family following the first defeat of his professional career.
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The 21-year-old was hospitalised after suffering a ninth-round stoppage loss to Croatia’s Filip Hrgovic in a contest for the vacant IBF heavyweight title at The O2 in London. Itauma was carried from the ring on a stretcher after appearing severely exhausted in the closing stages of the fight.
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His promoter, Frank Warren’s Queensberry Promotions, confirmed that the fighter had received medical attention and was subsequently discharged. “Moses is well. He left the hospital last night and, after being checked over, he is now back home with his family,” the promotion said in a statement.
According to reports, Itauma appeared in control for much of the contest and was ahead on the judges’ scorecards before Hrgovic turned the fight around in the later rounds. Itauma began showing signs of severe fatigue in the eighth round, leaving him vulnerable as Hrgovic increased the pressure. Referee Howard Foster stopped the bout at 2:27 of the ninth round after Itauma was unable to adequately defend himself.
Warren said there had initially been concern over a possible leg injury. “He has done something to his leg. He did something to his leg and he was exhausted, is the truth of it. It was a very fast-paced fight,” he said.
The promoter acknowledged that Itauma would need to learn from the experience as he rebuilds his career. “He got caught and the fighting instinct was to stand there and let his shots go. That’s what it is at the top level. You have to tick all the boxes. He has got to learn from the fight and will hopefully do that,” Warren said.
Hrgovic, for his part, said he had struggled against Itauma for much of the bout before finding the energy to change its course. “I was getting outboxed, but somehow I found the energy and the punch to change it all,” he said, describing Itauma as an exceptional fighter who lacked experience at the highest level. “He is the best fighter I have been in with but he needs more experience, he gassed out. I knew I had the pace in my favour. He gassed out but he is one of a kind,” Hrgovic said.
The defeat ended Itauma’s unbeaten professional record. His promoter has indicated the young heavyweight will have the opportunity to learn from the setback and continue rebuilding his career.
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