A bit of inexperience heavily undermined Moses Itauma in this vacant IBF heavyweight world title fight against Filip Hrgovic.
Going into the bout at just 21 years old with a 14 - 0 record, Itauma was attempting to become the 2nd youngest heavyweight champion in history. While his extraordinary talent was on full display early, dominating the first six rounds and dropping Hrgovic in the second round, his lack of experience ultimately led to his downfall.
He wore himself out throwing punches with maximum power too early. Instead of pacing himself for a 12 round fight, he threw every single punch with knockout intentions, exhausting himself. Hrgovic later noted that Itauma was "breathing hard" and "fighting like an amateur" from the first round.
Noteworthy is that Itauma had never gone past six rounds in his professional career and had reportedly never even sparred 12 rounds in camp.
When Hrgovic absorbed his best shots and dragged him into the later rounds, Itauma completely ran out of gas.
In the 8th round, rather than boxing intelligently to protect his massive lead on the scorecards, Itauma emptied his tank trying to force a stoppage.
By the 9th round, he was completely spent.
Instead of attempting to duck and clinch his way out of danger, he left himself exposed and defenseless against the ropes, prompting his trainer to throw in the towel.
Though it was a harsh experience that ended with him being stretchered out due to exhaustion and a leg injury, I believe the defeat will likely be a learning curve for the making of the young pugilist prodigy.
He's learnt the hard way. Expect a rematch and a reclamation of the title. Maximum respect to Itauma.
He's refreshing and exciting to watch away from the drab displays pervading the heavyweight category for some years now.
TMan ( Tayo Faloye )