British heavyweight Moses Itauma missed the opportunity to become world heavyweight champion after suffering an “extraordinary” defeat by Filip Hrgovic at London’s O2 Arena.
The Croatian made history by securing victory in the ninth round.
READ MORE: Heavyweight Itauma handed harsh world-title lesson
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Source: www.bbc.co.uk
At London’s O2 Arena, Moses Itauma faces Filip Hrgovic in a heavyweight contest that could define the next chapter of British boxing.
Itauma was the teenager who went from school straight to gyms, where he beat professional fighters in sparring. Now, the unbeaten prospect has the opportunity to graduate from the school of hard knocks on one of boxing’s biggest stages.
Several records are at stake. Itauma could become the second-youngest heavyweight champion in history after Mike Tyson, the second-youngest British world champion after Prince Naseem Hamed and the fastest Briton to win a world heavyweight title — one fight sooner than Anthony Joshua.
Those milestones will mean nothing if Itauma cannot get past a confident and well-prepared Hrgovic. The Croatian heavyweight has the experience and form to test one of British boxing’s most highly rated young fighters.
A star could be born tonight, or Hrgovic could derail the hype surrounding Itauma. Either way, the fight represents a pivotal moment for the future of British boxing.
Source: www.bbc.com
Moses Itauma joins comedian Rob Beckett for a round of golf while discussing his growing fame, how he relaxes and the biggest challenge ahead of his upcoming fight against Filip Hrgovic for the IBF heavyweight world title.
The bout takes place on Saturday night at the O2 Arena, with Itauma admitting that Hrgovic’s taunts are starting to wind him up.
Source: www.bbc.co.uk