Itauma breaks silence after Hrgovic knockout defeat

Itauma, who was stopped in the ninth round and stretchered out of London's O2 Arena on August 29, stated in an Instagram video on August 30 that the fight did not go his way, attributing it to facing a more experienced opponent. He congratulated Hrgovic and expressed that he gained valuable experience for future fights. Itauma, 21, had controlled parts of the contest but appeared to tire in the later rounds.

Hrgovic praised Itauma as the best fighter he had faced but noted a lack of experience, predicting he would gas out. Promoter Frank Warren mentioned Itauma sustained a leg injury and needs to improve his ring craft, though he believes Itauma remains a talented heavyweight. Hrgovic also tipped Itauma to become a world champion if he learns to pace himself over longer distances.