Hoards of dejected fans flocked towards the exits of London’s O2 Arena on Saturday night following the defeat of heavyweight hopeful, Moses Itauma. Experience prevailed over youth as 34 year old, Filip Hrgović, upset the bookies to claim his 21st victory and solidify his name in boxing history as Croatia’s first Heavyweight World Champion.
The hostility of the nearly twenty-thousand-strong crowd was palpable. They were baying for blood as Moses itauma entered the arena. Itauma dared to be great, victory against Croatia’s Filip Hrgović would have inked his name in the record books alongside Floyd Paterson as the second man in history to become Heavyweight Champion of the World at age 21 – propelling him ahead of the great Muhammad Ali who won his first title aged 22 – trailing only ‘Iron Mike’ Tyson whose premier title came at the ripe age of 20.
The young Briton started off strong and brought the crowd to their feet as he dropped Hrgović – the man 13 years his senior – in the second round. The explosive onslaught continued as Itauma cut Hrgović above the eye in round four. However Hrgović, seasoned by years of experience at the top level, was not flustered.
As the contest continued Itauma struggled to hold the fast pace and appeared weary, slouching on his stool between rounds. Fatigued by his high work rate, he expended himself in the 8th round in his final attempt to get rid of the seemingly immovable Hrgović. The 6ft 6” Croatian giant was unpeturbed and had more left in the tank than his inexperienced adversary.
The fighters rose for the ninth round and Itauma was out on his feet. Two solid right hands from Hrgović sent the Briton stumbling backwards onto the ropes. In brutal fashion, ‘El Animal’ went in to finish the job. It was a sorry sight as the 33 year old beat down on the defenceless youngster who slumped over the edge of the ring unable to lift his arms. The corner swiftly threw in the towel and the fight was over.
In the aftermath, while Hrgović and his team rejoiced, the exhausted Itauma was lifted to his feet and stretchered out of the arena. A stark reminder of the dangers that surround this barbaric sport. It was a gallant effort from Itauma but Hgović’s maturity paid dividends in the latter stages.
Itauma was unable to sustain the furious tempo he had set in the early rounds and by the ninth he had burnt all his matches. Timing is crucial in a trecherous sport where one punch can change everything. Heavyweights tend to reach their prime at around 30 years of age, if Itauma is to fulfill his potential as the future of British boxing, then his route to the top of the sport musn’t be rushed.
