Frank Warren teases Moses Itauma return: ‘Straight in, no messing about’

On August 29, at the O2 Arena in London, Filip Hrgovic inflicted a shock defeat on heavyweight rising star Moses Itaumato become the new IBF heavyweight champion. Many in the sport have had their say on what happened at the 02 Arena. Queensberry Promotions founder Frank Warren has spoken to Sky Sports, teasing the return of Moses Itauma.

Moses Itauma loses IBF title shot against Filip Hrgovic

Moses Itauma (14-1, 12 KOs) was a big favourite when he entered the ring in London against Hrgovic (21-1, 16 KOs). The Brit started quickly, showcasing blistering hand speed and eye-catching accuracy. 

Itauma continued to dominate every round, and despite touching down in round two, the Croatian took every punch that came his way. From the middle rounds, Itauma looked to be tiring, with Hrgovic beginning to land with more regularity. Itauma could barely stand up in the ninth, and Hrgovic began to let his hands go, leading to the referee stepping in just as the towel came in from Ben Davison. The 02 arena fell into a stunned silence, while Hrgovic and his team celebrated wildly the shock win that saw their fighter crowned the new IBF heavyweight world champion.

Frank Warren teases Moses Itauma return

Frank Warren is out in front in the heavyweight division, with many of the top fighters in the division as part of Queensberry, including IBF champion Hrgovic, WBC heavyweight Agit Kabayel, and WBO champion Daniel Dubois. A return in 2027 is being targeted to set him up for another world title charge:

“It’ll be a decent fight. He’s got to be in with somebody who’s going to give him a test,” Warren told Sky Sports.

“When you’re coming off a loss any comeback fight is a risky fight. He’ll be wanting to go out there with something to prove. We want to see him in with someone reasonable for the comeback fight and he wants to get back into the mix.

“He’s going to have to come back and show what he’s all about,” added Warren.

“He wants to be back in the mix so he’s going to be very active next year,” Warren said of Itauma. “Straight in, no messing about.

“He could fight any of them. Because if he wins he’ll be straight back into, I think, the top half of the rankings.”

Reflecting on Itauma’s loss to Hrgovic, Warren said: “Hrgovic managed to absorb the punishment. Even when [Itauma] was blowing he was still throwing shots, even when he got caught he was still trying to fight back. He did tick some other boxes as far as I was concerned.”

The Big Fight Weekend verdict: The future for Moses Itauma

Moses Itauma didn’t lose to Hrgovic through lack of skill. He lost through a lack of experience. Watching the fight back, he boxed brilliantly at times, using his slick footwork and fast hands to control the distance and tempo. 

There came a point when he needed to just box and use his jab and save some energy for the later rounds, but he seemed consumed by the prospect of scoring a knockout at the 02. It appeared in the corner; his trainer, Ben Davison, was imploring him to listen, but Itauma seemed consumed by the occasion and punched himself out.

Itauma will have to make some key changes, but if he can learn from the Hrgovic defeat and keep his composure in those key moments, a world title is there for the taking.

Featured Image Credit:

Leigh Dawney Queensberry Promotions