On August 29, at the O2 Arena in London, Filip Hrgovic defeated rising heavyweight star Moses Itauma to become the new IBF heavyweight champion. Many in the sport are still dissecting the upset win in London, and fellow heavyweight Andy Ruiz has spoken to Ariel Helwani, where he gave his honest advice to Itauma.

Moses Itauma loses to Filip Hrgovic on August 29

Moses Itauma (14-1, 12 KOs) came into the ring on August 29 as a big odds-on favourite against the experienced Croatian, Filip Hrgovic (21-1, 16 KOs). For much of the fight, Itauma looked in complete control. His speed, accuracy and variation appeared to be too much for Hrgovic. The Brit also scored a knockdown in round two.

However, Itauma began to tire, and Hrgovic showed his granite chin, taking some massive shots. As the fight progressed, Hrgovic came into it more and more, timing his big right hand well. The body punching of the Croatian also appeared to have a big effect. Round nine saw Itauma almost unable to stand upright, with Hrgovic landing more and more, and with the 21-year-old almost in a zombified state, the referee decided to step in as the towel came in from Ben Davison. Filip Hrgovic’s chin should be sent away for scientific analysis! What a fight! Filip Hrgovic is the new IBF heavyweight world champion.

Queensberry PromotionsAndy Ruiz offers advice to Moses Itauma

It feels like the boxing world is still coming to terms with what happened at the O2 Arena, and it will surely take Itauma some time to recover, but fellow heavyweight Ruiz had some honest advice for the 21-year-old when he spoke to Ariel Helwani:

“Stay strong, don’t listen to the critics… Rewatch that fight and do the things that you should have done a little bit better.

“Spar those 12 rounds… That’s the main thing, especially when you’re getting into the championship rounds and a championship fight.

“Don’t be too confident. Don’t underestimate anybody because that’s what happened to me… I was underestimating these guys, like, ‘You know what? I’m gonna beat them. I beat Anthony Joshua. I can beat anybody in this world.’

“But it’s not like that. You can’t underestimate anybody.”

The Big Fight Weekend verdict on Moses Itauma

For much of the fight, Itauma looked a few levels above Hrgovic, with the Croatian admitting afterwards that he had lost every round. Itauma showed his sensational hand speed and punch accuracy. However, experience was his undoing.

Hrgovic took everything and more that Itauma threw at him, and once it was clear the Croat could not be stopped, Itauma tired and could barely stand.

The talent of Itauma is clear, and he has the time and ability to come back and become world champion, but significant adjustments in preparation will need to happen for the 21-year-old to fulfil his obvious potential.

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Queensberry