What we learned about Moses Itauma from the Filip Hrgović fight

Discussion in 'World Boxing Forum' started by BoxerMaurits, Aug 30, 2026.

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Has your opinion of Moses Itauma changed after the Hrgović fight?

  1. Yes, significantly — I’m less convinced

    7 vote(s)
    21.9%

  2. Yes, slightly — he clearly has things to work on

    16 vote(s)
    50.0%

  3. No — I’m still just as high on him

    4 vote(s)
    12.5%

  4. I’m actually more impressed with him now

    5 vote(s)
    15.6%
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  1. edabomb

    edabomb Active Member Full Member

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    Joe Parker is another one who was knocking out all and sundry until he started fighting at world level. The power doesn't always carry over. That said, Itauma lands his punches so flush that I don't think this will be an enduring issue. But he needs a plan B and C in future and not load up on every single punch.
     
    edabomb, Aug 30, 2026
    #16
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  2. gollumsluvslave

    gollumsluvslave Boxing Addict Full Member

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    Excellent post, sums things up pretty well!

    The key for Itauma and whether he can come again is purely mental, and whether he really 'wants it' enough to put in the work to work on his flaws.
     
    gollumsluvslave, Aug 31, 2026
    #17
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  3. Kiwi Casual

    Kiwi Casual Boxing Addict Full Member

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    I was very vocal discrediting Dubios for that win, as I felt Hrgovic was otherwise winning that fight without the fouls.

    In saying that, I've always been a bit critical of Hrgovic because he had a tendency of rabbit punching and can crushing earlier in his career. Needless to say his stock for me went up massively not only with how he won, but his after ring speech giving credit to Itauma and pushing Frank for a unification fight. I think his new trainer is doing wonders for him as his work is much cleaner than it used to be too.
     
    Kiwi Casual, Aug 31, 2026
    #18
    Serge likes this.
  4. Beremith

    Beremith Active Member Full Member

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    He's got impressive assets to his game. It looks like he also has a major flaw. But it would not be the first time an up and coming fighter would come back from a defeat like this. Wlad Klitschko gassed out against Purrity and Brewster. David Haye gassed out against Carl Thompson. They both came back to have great careers. I'm sure there are more examples.

    That said , he should probably get a new trainer and get rid of some of the people around him. Change things up, get more experience and work on his stamina too.
     
    Beremith, Aug 31, 2026
    #19
  5. Serge

    Serge Ginger Dracula Staff Member

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    Wasn't aimed at you but so many others were as silent as church mice about him gassing vs Dubois and being stitched up by the ref that night

    I think the rabbit punching talk is way overblown his opponents constantly turn their head away to the side in the clinch when he's aiming for the side of the head.

    To be fair, it's not Hrgovic's fault they kept feeding him cans he was begging for big names and real tests for a very long time and his frustration at not being able to get them was palpable. This was long before they had to go up and down the IBF rankings x 2 IIRC to find someone who was willing to fight him for an eliminator for a world title shot

    He's a good guy, arrogant but in an amusing extremely alpha way, and so many used to say he was boring but he's actually funny as hell and a great character. His delivery is hilarious

    When Moses demanded he give him some props he replied ''I not give you props" lol

    His delivery here when he replies "no'' is hilarious

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    As talented as Moses is, his counter punching in that fight was made to look a lot better than it is albeit still really good due to Hrgovic constantly pushing out a slow jab or right hand with no snap on it. I've seen numerous people say he has a really good jab but he doesn't and if he did he would've had a lot more success vs Moses.

    He leans forward over his front foot when throwing the right hand too which leaves him wide open to counters and prevents him from generating full power with it

    It was a ridiculously favourable stylistic match up for Moses and Queensberry and his team knew it too

    I said long ago he didn't receive the right schooling in Croatia and it's hindered him from realizing his full potential
     
    Serge, Aug 31, 2026
    #20
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  6. Heisenberg

    Heisenberg Boxing Addict Full Member

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    Has anyone else considered the fact the Itauma probably could have knocked out any other heavyweight on Saturday night not called Hrgovic? At just 21, He boxed beautifully and banked round after round against a very experienced, technically sound Olympian in Hrgovic. Inexperience is what beat him and his team must take responsibility for not man managing ‘a kid’ through a 12 round fight. I think the backlash and criticism aimed at Moses is actually quite embarrassing..
     
    Heisenberg, Aug 31, 2026
    #21
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