Queensberry promoter Frank Warren expects “serious changes” to be made ahead of Moses Itauma’s ring return in 2027.
The 21-year-old entered his first world title fight last month, bidding to become the youngest heavyweight champion since Mike Tyson dethroned Trevor Berbick in 1986.
Filip Hrgovic, meanwhile, was generally written off and seen as a seasoned contender with tremendous durability, but who ultimately had a slim chance of winning.
It then seemed as if an early night was on the cards, as the Croatian suffered a second-round knockdown and appeared overwhelmed by the speed of Itauma.
After dominating practically every exchange, though, Itauma suddenly ran out of gas and was stopped on his feet in round nine, with Hrgovic winning the vacant IBF title.
In the wake of his first ever defeat, amateur or professional, many began to question the talented southpaw’s ability to pace himself in a scheduled 12-round fight.
Sure enough, this is also a concern of promoter Warren, who was furious to discover that Itauma, according to his brother Karol, would not feel like a champion unless he knocked Hrgovic out.
The Queensberry boss has therefore told IFL TV that he hopes certain changes can be made ahead of Itauma’s comeback ‘very early next year’.
“He’s going to fight very early next year. I’ve spoken to him a few times; he’s actually back in the gym.
“I’m going to sit down with the team next week and we’re going to go through everything. He’s very disappointed because, first of all, he was winning the fight. He knows what he did wrong.
“It’s not rocket science, but there’s got to be some serious changes.”
As for Hrgovic, who he also promotes, Warren maintained his expectation that the 34-year-old will face mandatory challenger Frank Sanchez in due course.
