Developing stamina takes years, decades. Itauma's problems aren't simple

Discussion in 'World Boxing Forum' started by Slyk, Aug 30, 2026 at 10:30 PM.


  1. Slyk

    Slyk Boxing Junkie Full Member

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    I'm seeing a lot of misinformed opinions after Hrgo beat Itauma. The idea that you can just "add more cardio" for a few camps is totally wrong. First, much cardio ability is genetic. They've studied runners and cyclists - regular people are born with cardio level A, while cardio superstars have 3x what A is. Itauma may be on the less advantaged side of this.

    Second thing is that this base, deep cardio takes a really, really long time to build. Guys like Usyk have been doing massive weeks of dedicated cardio for 20 years, then sparring long enough sessions to go into deep waters regularly. This part isn't a quick fix, it's a long term project.

    The last thing is the style of Itauma is very inefficient. He hops when he throws a 1-2-3. He overexaggerates defensive maneuvers. He doesn't take the steam off a punch that isn't going to land. Obviously throwing bombs with no variety for 8 rounds is foolish if you can't sustain it, but he doesn't know how else to fight. This fight exposed skill and IQ issues as well, which, again, isn't so simple to fix.

    The slower he starts, the more his opponent engages, the more Itauma has to worry about defending, the less effective he is, etc.

    I think Itauma has real potential, but his rebuild process needs to be over 3-4 years, not 1-2. He is missing some critical fundamentals. A new trainer is obviously needed. I'm tired of pointing out the ineptitude of Boxercise Ben, so I'll leave that to others.
     
    Slyk, Aug 30, 2026 at 10:30 PM
    Slyk, Aug 30, 2026 at 10:30 PM
    #1
    Gareth Priest likes this.
  2. NoChin

    NoChin Sir Filip Hrgovic - Building his statue in Croatia Full Member

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    Itauma needs a lung transplant.
     
    NoChin, Aug 30, 2026 at 10:45 PM
    NoChin, Aug 30, 2026 at 10:45 PM
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    mirkofilipovic likes this.
  3. Cornucopia

    Cornucopia Member Full Member

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    If Itauma has bad genetics for endurance OK, but he did not train for 12 rounds or spar that long-ever it seems
    But why whould it take years to develop cardio?
    Usyk & others have done it forever, but that does not mean it took years to develop.

    Please tell us what you mean by "deep cardio", & why if he trained completely differently, with hard cardio & interval training & long sparring sessions with enough recovery, good nutrition...
    Why should he not get most of the benefits with say 6 months?

    I have not seen endurance to take so long to develops what else you pointed out, a bunch of related issues which takes mucho planning, rehabituation, practice...as totally changing a style & learning how to fight at a different pace, adapt on the fly, change & restrain his attack etc.

    But unless he has say fast-twitch muscle fiber limitations (although Tyson did not), we cannot assume poor genetics when itauma just did not work on it!
    Also, like Foreman in his first career, he was too emotional, stressed, & tightly wound.
    Relaxing more would help his stamina.
     
    Cornucopia, Aug 30, 2026 at 10:46 PM
    Cornucopia, Aug 30, 2026 at 10:46 PM
    #3
  4. Jacdaniel

    Jacdaniel Member Full Member

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    I agree that it’s not easy to fix. It’s not even like he took huge shots in there, he was just exhausted.
    It reminded me of Conor McGregor in UFC. Unbelievable KO power for 10 mins or so. But if his opponent wasn’t out of there by then, the heavy breathing started and he was vulnerable. Usually lost from there.
     
    Jacdaniel, Aug 30, 2026 at 11:17 PM
    Jacdaniel, Aug 30, 2026 at 11:17 PM
    #4
    mpg likes this.