Moses Itauma could by no means lose once more if he can recover from the “humiliation” of his IBF heavyweight title defeat, says Filip Hrgovic, who surprised the Briton in August.
The Croatian, 34, stopped Itauma, who had been the sturdy pre-fight favorite, within the ninth spherical of their assembly on the O2 Area.
The early indicators recommended Itauma had the measure of his opponent, with Hrgovic touching the canvas within the second spherical and conceding that he was “outboxed” early on.
Hrgovic took benefit when Itauma drained however confused the 21-year-old southpaw is so skilful that he might go on to have a massively succesful profession if he learns from his loss.
“He is actually good. He is particular. Very quick, very gifted and he countered no matter I attempted together with his velocity and timing,” stated Hrgovic.
“I by no means was within the ring earlier than with such a gifted child, with such a quick man. You might have some quick guys however they’re small heavyweights. You possibly can deal with them together with your energy however this child is quick and large. He is bought nice IQ and nice expertise.
“I am nonetheless type of offended as a result of he outboxed me. In my complete profession, in 20 years of boxing, I used to be by no means outboxed in any sparring or any struggle.”
Whereas Hrgovic, who desires to unify the division, praised Itauma’s boxing talents, he recommended doubts stay over his mentality.
“It was massive shock for him, massive humiliation, so possibly it is finish of his profession if he is not mentally robust. If he recovers from this loss, mentally, it is going to be laborious for anybody to ever beat him once more,” Hrgovic added.
“Lots of people after that type of loss, they by no means come again. So, it is going to be a tough journey for him to come back again.
“You must undergo a ruthless, laborious coaching camp. You could undergo hell to be mentally prepared for this. I believe he was bodily prepared however it’s the psychological half.”
