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Sports

Itauma vows to 'be back' after bruising heavyweight title loss

Agence France-Presse
Itauma vows to 'be back' after bruising heavyweight title loss
British Slovakian Boxer Moses Itauma reacts during a press conference, in central London, on October 23, 2024, ahead of his undercard heavyweight world championship against Australian boxer Demsey McKean, taking place on December 21, 2024 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Justin Tallis / AFP

LONDON, United Kingdom — Moses Itauma vowed "I'll be back" after the Briton fell short in his bid to become the second-youngest heavyweight world boxing champion after Mike Tyson.

The 21-year-old suffered a ninth-round stoppage to Filip Hrgovic of Croatia in a bruising battle for the vacant IBF heavyweight crown at London's O2 Arena on Saturday.

Itauma has been touted in Britain as the next heavyweight sensation and he dominated much of the fight before running alarmingly out of gas.

It was his first defeat, in his 15th bout, having ploughed his way through the division until that point.

"Yesterday it wasn't my night," Itauma, who was born in Slovakia, said on social media on Sunday after a brief stay in hospital, having been stretchered out of the ring.

"We attempted greatness and just fell short to the more experienced man."

Itauma congratulated the 34-year-old Hrgovic on his surprise victory, the older fighter having used all his ring nous to pull through in a thrilling contest.

"Although I never reached my desired outcome I believe I gained experience that I'll take to my future fights," Itauma said.

"God bless, take care and I'll be back."

BOXING

MOSES ITAUMA

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