Round-by-Round: Moses Itauma vs. Filip Hrgovic - 29 August 2026

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Are you watching?

Poll ended at 30 Aug 2026, 11:02

Yes - Buying PPV
6
12%
Yes - DAZN Ultimate
8
16%
Yes - Down the River
21
43%
Yes - Radio/Pub/Other
4
8%
Yes - At the O2 Arena
2
4%
No - Can't watch / Won't watch
8
16%
 
Total votes: 49

gilgamesh
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Re: Round-by-Round: Moses Itauma vs. Filip Hrgovic - 29 August 2026

Post by gilgamesh »

KiwiRider wrote: 02 Sep 2026, 02:06
gilgamesh wrote: 01 Sep 2026, 20:36
keithmoonhangover wrote: 01 Sep 2026, 15:36 Just watched it back. I noticed Hrgovic landing some great body shots, especially in the last two rounds. A lot of people (including me) questioning Itauma's stamina, but those body shots did some serious damage, even the last punch of the fight was a hard shot into Itauma's bread basket.
Imagine what a problem Kabayel would be for a fighter with a stamina problem. Kabayel is about as consistent a body puncher as you'll see at Heavyweight. It seems like 50% of his attack is aimed at the body.
Hence Uysk turned him down and no one is lining up even though he is supposed to get a title shot.
Title shot? Didn't they just hand him (Kabayel) the WBC Title?
KiwiRider
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Re: Round-by-Round: Moses Itauma vs. Filip Hrgovic - 29 August 2026

Post by KiwiRider »

gilgamesh wrote: 02 Sep 2026, 04:15
KiwiRider wrote: 02 Sep 2026, 02:06
gilgamesh wrote: 01 Sep 2026, 20:36

Imagine what a problem Kabayel would be for a fighter with a stamina problem. Kabayel is about as consistent a body puncher as you'll see at Heavyweight. It seems like 50% of his attack is aimed at the body.
Hence Uysk turned him down and no one is lining up even though he is supposed to get a title shot.
Title shot? Didn't they just hand him (Kabayel) the WBC Title?
Yeah, finally. But no money in that until he fights someone.
gilgamesh
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Re: Round-by-Round: Moses Itauma vs. Filip Hrgovic - 29 August 2026

Post by gilgamesh »

KiwiRider wrote: 02 Sep 2026, 05:14
gilgamesh wrote: 02 Sep 2026, 04:15
KiwiRider wrote: 02 Sep 2026, 02:06

Hence Uysk turned him down and no one is lining up even though he is supposed to get a title shot.
Title shot? Didn't they just hand him (Kabayel) the WBC Title?
Yeah, finally. But no money in that until he fights someone.
Hey with the WBC Title at stake his next fight will almost certainly be worth more than his previous one against Damian Knyba.
coneye
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Re: Round-by-Round: Moses Itauma vs. Filip Hrgovic - 29 August 2026

Post by coneye »

Can't see any of the new crop wanting to play with him
keithmoonhangover
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Re: Round-by-Round: Moses Itauma vs. Filip Hrgovic - 29 August 2026

Post by keithmoonhangover »

Coco wrote: 01 Sep 2026, 21:20
gilgamesh wrote: 01 Sep 2026, 20:36
keithmoonhangover wrote: 01 Sep 2026, 15:36 Just watched it back. I noticed Hrgovic landing some great body shots, especially in the last two rounds. A lot of people (including me) questioning Itauma's stamina, but those body shots did some serious damage, even the last punch of the fight was a hard shot into Itauma's bread basket.
Imagine what a problem Kabayel would be for a fighter with a stamina problem. Kabayel is about as consistent a body puncher as you'll see at Heavyweight. It seems like 50% of his attack is aimed at the body.
A great example is when he beat Zhang.

However not a lot of fighters would have been able to take what Moses gave out
I just don't think Itauma was in great shape.
forcefraser
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Re: Round-by-Round: Moses Itauma vs. Filip Hrgovic - 29 August 2026

Post by forcefraser »

He did take some stick to the body. In the 8th and particularly in the 9th he took some massive shots in the gut.

That last one that sent him flying into the ropes could have done him no favours. Maybe that was the shot that did his legs in
keithmoonhangover
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Re: Round-by-Round: Moses Itauma vs. Filip Hrgovic - 29 August 2026

Post by keithmoonhangover »

forcefraser wrote: 02 Sep 2026, 07:22 He did take some stick to the body. In the 8th and particularly in the 9th he took some massive shots in the gut.

That last one that sent him flying into the ropes could have done him no favours. Maybe that was the shot that did his legs in
Yeah, that lost body shot was a tremendous blow.
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Re: Round-by-Round: Moses Itauma vs. Filip Hrgovic - 29 August 2026

Post by Coco »

keithmoonhangover wrote: 02 Sep 2026, 06:17
Coco wrote: 01 Sep 2026, 21:20
gilgamesh wrote: 01 Sep 2026, 20:36

Imagine what a problem Kabayel would be for a fighter with a stamina problem. Kabayel is about as consistent a body puncher as you'll see at Heavyweight. It seems like 50% of his attack is aimed at the body.
A great example is when he beat Zhang.

However not a lot of fighters would have been able to take what Moses gave out
I just don't think Itauma was in great shape.
It's not so much that, the issue is working at a pace you don't want to.

Even for Fury, usually he is in complete control of the pace, against Uysk in the first fight, despite winning the first half of the fight, he wasn't in control of the pace and couldn't keep it up.

I'm sure Moses can easily do 12 at his own pace, and in the gym no-one is good enough to push him.

When he was pushed, he fell short
keithmoonhangover
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Re: Round-by-Round: Moses Itauma vs. Filip Hrgovic - 29 August 2026

Post by keithmoonhangover »

Coco wrote: 02 Sep 2026, 09:17
keithmoonhangover wrote: 02 Sep 2026, 06:17
Coco wrote: 01 Sep 2026, 21:20

A great example is when he beat Zhang.

However not a lot of fighters would have been able to take what Moses gave out
I just don't think Itauma was in great shape.
It's not so much that, the issue is working at a pace you don't want to.

Even for Fury, usually he is in complete control of the pace, against Uysk in the first fight, despite winning the first half of the fight, he wasn't in control of the pace and couldn't keep it up.

I'm sure Moses can easily do 12 at his own pace, and in the gym no-one is good enough to push him.

When he was pushed, he fell short
I agree with all of that, but I do think he was a little soft on Saturday night. I'd be very surprised if he doesn't come in lighter next time out. As an ex-pro, what do you think of Itauma saying he's never sparred twelve rounds?
Coco
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Re: Round-by-Round: Moses Itauma vs. Filip Hrgovic - 29 August 2026

Post by Coco »

keithmoonhangover wrote: 02 Sep 2026, 09:24
Coco wrote: 02 Sep 2026, 09:17
keithmoonhangover wrote: 02 Sep 2026, 06:17

I just don't think Itauma was in great shape.
It's not so much that, the issue is working at a pace you don't want to.

Even for Fury, usually he is in complete control of the pace, against Uysk in the first fight, despite winning the first half of the fight, he wasn't in control of the pace and couldn't keep it up.

I'm sure Moses can easily do 12 at his own pace, and in the gym no-one is good enough to push him.

When he was pushed, he fell short
I agree with all of that, but I do think he was a little soft on Saturday night. I'd be very surprised if he doesn't come in lighter next time out. As an ex-pro, what do you think of Itauma saying he's never sparred twelve rounds?
Crazy, I do agree he wasn't in good enough shape, as well as getting the tactics wrong.

Were they cutting costs on sparring partners?

Who is the boss in the gym?

Was he even doing 12 hard rounds on the pads?
keithmoonhangover
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Re: Round-by-Round: Moses Itauma vs. Filip Hrgovic - 29 August 2026

Post by keithmoonhangover »

Coco wrote: 02 Sep 2026, 10:08
keithmoonhangover wrote: 02 Sep 2026, 09:24
Coco wrote: 02 Sep 2026, 09:17

It's not so much that, the issue is working at a pace you don't want to.

Even for Fury, usually he is in complete control of the pace, against Uysk in the first fight, despite winning the first half of the fight, he wasn't in control of the pace and couldn't keep it up.

I'm sure Moses can easily do 12 at his own pace, and in the gym no-one is good enough to push him.

When he was pushed, he fell short
I agree with all of that, but I do think he was a little soft on Saturday night. I'd be very surprised if he doesn't come in lighter next time out. As an ex-pro, what do you think of Itauma saying he's never sparred twelve rounds?
Crazy, I do agree he wasn't in good enough shape, as well as getting the tactics wrong.

Were they cutting costs on sparring partners?

Who is the boss in the gym?

Was he even doing 12 hard rounds on the pads?
It baffles me how badly he fatigued, although Hrgovic did land some great body shots. He's not the first guy to blow all of his energy, but I can't ever recall someone who wasn't badly beaten being stretchered out. And I've been watching boxing since 1975.
Coco
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Re: Round-by-Round: Moses Itauma vs. Filip Hrgovic - 29 August 2026

Post by Coco »

keithmoonhangover wrote: 02 Sep 2026, 10:26
Coco wrote: 02 Sep 2026, 10:08
keithmoonhangover wrote: 02 Sep 2026, 09:24

I agree with all of that, but I do think he was a little soft on Saturday night. I'd be very surprised if he doesn't come in lighter next time out. As an ex-pro, what do you think of Itauma saying he's never sparred twelve rounds?
Crazy, I do agree he wasn't in good enough shape, as well as getting the tactics wrong.

Were they cutting costs on sparring partners?

Who is the boss in the gym?

Was he even doing 12 hard rounds on the pads?
It baffles me how badly he fatigued, although Hrgovic did land some great body shots. He's not the first guy to blow all of his energy, but I can't ever recall someone who wasn't badly beaten being stretchered out. And I've been watching boxing since 1975.
I imagine the occasion got to him too, spending nervous energy
keithmoonhangover
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Re: Round-by-Round: Moses Itauma vs. Filip Hrgovic - 29 August 2026

Post by keithmoonhangover »

Coco wrote: 02 Sep 2026, 12:00
keithmoonhangover wrote: 02 Sep 2026, 10:26
Coco wrote: 02 Sep 2026, 10:08

Crazy, I do agree he wasn't in good enough shape, as well as getting the tactics wrong.

Were they cutting costs on sparring partners?

Who is the boss in the gym?

Was he even doing 12 hard rounds on the pads?
It baffles me how badly he fatigued, although Hrgovic did land some great body shots. He's not the first guy to blow all of his energy, but I can't ever recall someone who wasn't badly beaten being stretchered out. And I've been watching boxing since 1975.
I imagine the occasion got to him too, spending nervous energy
Yeah, there's a lot of reasons, but I think the main one is Hrgovic.
forcefraser
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Re: Round-by-Round: Moses Itauma vs. Filip Hrgovic - 29 August 2026

Post by forcefraser »

The body shot in the 9th that smashed him back onto rhe ropes looked to get him right in the solar plexus. He was on queer street after that landed
Scribe
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Re: Round-by-Round: Moses Itauma vs. Filip Hrgovic - 29 August 2026

Post by Scribe »

This is probably the best analysis of the fight anywhere :clap:
Eolaithe wrote: 30 Aug 2026, 14:56 Itauma started very well, throwing sharp combinations and mixing attacks to the head and body.

As expected, Itauma built an early lead. Hrgović, however, remained calm and patient.

He used his experience, knowing Itauma would be explosive early, and absorbed some thunderous punches without panicking or appearing seriously hurt.

There was a question over whether Itauma’s body shots might eventually slow him down, but Hrgović handled those well too. More importantly, while Itauma was constantly moving, feinting and exploding in and out of range, Hrgović conserved his energy.

Itauma sometimes tried to do the same by touching and fencing with his lead hand. The problem came whenever he wanted a break.

Hrgović would step forward and apply pressure. He did not even need to throw much. His presence alone appeared to make Itauma uncomfortable. Whenever Itauma slowed down, Hrgović advanced, often causing Itauma to respond with several hard punches simply to push him back.

Itauma had never really faced this before: an opponent who could absorb his best punches, remain calm and keep coming forward.

Inexperience was probably a major factor. Itauma had usually been the fighter imposing himself on opponents — the “bully” in the ring. Now somebody was refusing to back away and was instead walking towards him.

Itauma was still winning the rounds, but from around the third Hrgović increasingly applied this pressure. Itauma responded too aggressively and never allowed himself to rest properly.

If Itauma was not physically tiring himself by throwing powerful combinations, he was being mentally pressured by a big, strong heavyweight constantly advancing. He probably felt he could never completely relax.

Even the second-round knockdown did not affect Hrgović mentally. The experienced veteran simply got up and continued.

From the third round onwards, an important pattern developed: Itauma remained ahead and landed big punches, but Hrgović would not go away.

Eventually Itauma needed to ask himself: “What happens if this man cannot be knocked out?”

Does he accept that Hrgović may go 12 rounds, or continue trying to stop him?
That is where Itauma made his crucial strategic mistake.

In round eight, after appearing to hurt Hrgović with several big punches, Itauma launched another huge attack despite already running low on energy.

He had a choice: chase the knockout or recognise that Filip had survived everything so far and use those successful punches to earn Hrgović’s respect, slow the pace and recover.

Instead, Itauma went for the finish.

Chasing a knockout consumes enormous energy, particularly when you are already tired. By then, Itauma had landed tremendous punches throughout the fight without coming particularly close to stopping Hrgović.

He needed to accept: “This guy is probably going 12 rounds.”

Itauma was winning. His priority should therefore have changed from knocking Hrgović out to preserving enough energy to reach the final bell.

Even sacrificing one or two rounds would have been preferable to emptying his remaining tank.

Instead, Itauma threw everything into round eight and finished it exhausted.

Hrgović and his corner appeared to recognise this. Until then, Hrgović had been persistent but relatively cautious because he respected Itauma’s explosiveness. In round nine, that changed completely. Hrgović attacked.

The situation had now reversed. Itauma had spent his career bullying and overwhelming opponents; suddenly he was being pressured by a bigger, stronger and more experienced heavyweight.

Itauma was exhausted. Hrgović had more energy and far more experience of difficult fights. Hrgović knew how to navigate the situation; Itauma had never previously needed to.

Itauma’s inexperience showed again because he could have clinched more, held Hrgović, slowed the fight down and killed time.

Instead, even while exhausted, Itauma continued trying to throw huge punches. Without the energy to execute them properly, they became wide, wild and inaccurate.

But he needed to adapt. When your energy is disappearing, throw shorter, tighter punches. Stop putting maximum power into everything. Clinch when necessary, slow the pace and concentrate on surviving the rounds.

Itauma was still ahead on points at the time of the stoppage. Reaching the final bell might have been enough to win the world title.

Instead, continuing to throw huge clumsy punches exhausted him further and made it obvious that he was physically spent.

Had Itauma preserved more energy, he might still have struggled badly in the final rounds, but he would at least have given himself a better chance of reaching the final bell.

This may simply have been inexperience. Whether it also raises questions about his heart or character is impossible to know yet. Those questions can only be answered as his career develops.

But adversity reveals things about fighters that easy victories cannot. Before Hrgović, Itauma had almost always been in control. We had never really seen how he would react when a fight stopped going his way.

That does not mean he will fall apart whenever he faces adversity in the future. He may instead use this defeat as an important learning experience.
JamesPhilips
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Re: Round-by-Round: Moses Itauma vs. Filip Hrgovic - 29 August 2026

Post by JamesPhilips »

Scribe wrote: 02 Sep 2026, 16:36 This is probably the best analysis of the fight anywhere :clap:
Eolaithe wrote: 30 Aug 2026, 14:56 Itauma started very well, throwing sharp combinations and mixing attacks to the head and body.

As expected, Itauma built an early lead. Hrgović, however, remained calm and patient.

He used his experience, knowing Itauma would be explosive early, and absorbed some thunderous punches without panicking or appearing seriously hurt.

There was a question over whether Itauma’s body shots might eventually slow him down, but Hrgović handled those well too. More importantly, while Itauma was constantly moving, feinting and exploding in and out of range, Hrgović conserved his energy.

Itauma sometimes tried to do the same by touching and fencing with his lead hand. The problem came whenever he wanted a break.

Hrgović would step forward and apply pressure. He did not even need to throw much. His presence alone appeared to make Itauma uncomfortable. Whenever Itauma slowed down, Hrgović advanced, often causing Itauma to respond with several hard punches simply to push him back.

Itauma had never really faced this before: an opponent who could absorb his best punches, remain calm and keep coming forward.

Inexperience was probably a major factor. Itauma had usually been the fighter imposing himself on opponents — the “bully” in the ring. Now somebody was refusing to back away and was instead walking towards him.

Itauma was still winning the rounds, but from around the third Hrgović increasingly applied this pressure. Itauma responded too aggressively and never allowed himself to rest properly.

If Itauma was not physically tiring himself by throwing powerful combinations, he was being mentally pressured by a big, strong heavyweight constantly advancing. He probably felt he could never completely relax.

Even the second-round knockdown did not affect Hrgović mentally. The experienced veteran simply got up and continued.

From the third round onwards, an important pattern developed: Itauma remained ahead and landed big punches, but Hrgović would not go away.

Eventually Itauma needed to ask himself: “What happens if this man cannot be knocked out?”

Does he accept that Hrgović may go 12 rounds, or continue trying to stop him?
That is where Itauma made his crucial strategic mistake.

In round eight, after appearing to hurt Hrgović with several big punches, Itauma launched another huge attack despite already running low on energy.

He had a choice: chase the knockout or recognise that Filip had survived everything so far and use those successful punches to earn Hrgović’s respect, slow the pace and recover.

Instead, Itauma went for the finish.

Chasing a knockout consumes enormous energy, particularly when you are already tired. By then, Itauma had landed tremendous punches throughout the fight without coming particularly close to stopping Hrgović.

He needed to accept: “This guy is probably going 12 rounds.”

Itauma was winning. His priority should therefore have changed from knocking Hrgović out to preserving enough energy to reach the final bell.

Even sacrificing one or two rounds would have been preferable to emptying his remaining tank.

Instead, Itauma threw everything into round eight and finished it exhausted.

Hrgović and his corner appeared to recognise this. Until then, Hrgović had been persistent but relatively cautious because he respected Itauma’s explosiveness. In round nine, that changed completely. Hrgović attacked.

The situation had now reversed. Itauma had spent his career bullying and overwhelming opponents; suddenly he was being pressured by a bigger, stronger and more experienced heavyweight.

Itauma was exhausted. Hrgović had more energy and far more experience of difficult fights. Hrgović knew how to navigate the situation; Itauma had never previously needed to.

Itauma’s inexperience showed again because he could have clinched more, held Hrgović, slowed the fight down and killed time.

Instead, even while exhausted, Itauma continued trying to throw huge punches. Without the energy to execute them properly, they became wide, wild and inaccurate.

But he needed to adapt. When your energy is disappearing, throw shorter, tighter punches. Stop putting maximum power into everything. Clinch when necessary, slow the pace and concentrate on surviving the rounds.

Itauma was still ahead on points at the time of the stoppage. Reaching the final bell might have been enough to win the world title.

Instead, continuing to throw huge clumsy punches exhausted him further and made it obvious that he was physically spent.

Had Itauma preserved more energy, he might still have struggled badly in the final rounds, but he would at least have given himself a better chance of reaching the final bell.

This may simply have been inexperience. Whether it also raises questions about his heart or character is impossible to know yet. Those questions can only be answered as his career develops.

But adversity reveals things about fighters that easy victories cannot. Before Hrgović, Itauma had almost always been in control. We had never really seen how he would react when a fight stopped going his way.

That does not mean he will fall apart whenever he faces adversity in the future. He may instead use this defeat as an important learning experience.
This and other posts from the poster really feel like AI. Look through previous posts. I definitely get AI vibes. The text, grammar and content seem too perfect and seem to lack the human touch. Sorry if I’m wrong….
Scribe
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Re: Round-by-Round: Moses Itauma vs. Filip Hrgovic - 29 August 2026

Post by Scribe »

JamesPhilips wrote: 02 Sep 2026, 16:55
Scribe wrote: 02 Sep 2026, 16:36 This is probably the best analysis of the fight anywhere :clap:
Eolaithe wrote: 30 Aug 2026, 14:56 Itauma started very well, throwing sharp combinations and mixing attacks to the head and body.

As expected, Itauma built an early lead. Hrgović, however, remained calm and patient.

He used his experience, knowing Itauma would be explosive early, and absorbed some thunderous punches without panicking or appearing seriously hurt.

There was a question over whether Itauma’s body shots might eventually slow him down, but Hrgović handled those well too. More importantly, while Itauma was constantly moving, feinting and exploding in and out of range, Hrgović conserved his energy.

Itauma sometimes tried to do the same by touching and fencing with his lead hand. The problem came whenever he wanted a break.

Hrgović would step forward and apply pressure. He did not even need to throw much. His presence alone appeared to make Itauma uncomfortable. Whenever Itauma slowed down, Hrgović advanced, often causing Itauma to respond with several hard punches simply to push him back.

Itauma had never really faced this before: an opponent who could absorb his best punches, remain calm and keep coming forward.

Inexperience was probably a major factor. Itauma had usually been the fighter imposing himself on opponents — the “bully” in the ring. Now somebody was refusing to back away and was instead walking towards him.

Itauma was still winning the rounds, but from around the third Hrgović increasingly applied this pressure. Itauma responded too aggressively and never allowed himself to rest properly.

If Itauma was not physically tiring himself by throwing powerful combinations, he was being mentally pressured by a big, strong heavyweight constantly advancing. He probably felt he could never completely relax.

Even the second-round knockdown did not affect Hrgović mentally. The experienced veteran simply got up and continued.

From the third round onwards, an important pattern developed: Itauma remained ahead and landed big punches, but Hrgović would not go away.

Eventually Itauma needed to ask himself: “What happens if this man cannot be knocked out?”

Does he accept that Hrgović may go 12 rounds, or continue trying to stop him?
That is where Itauma made his crucial strategic mistake.

In round eight, after appearing to hurt Hrgović with several big punches, Itauma launched another huge attack despite already running low on energy.

He had a choice: chase the knockout or recognise that Filip had survived everything so far and use those successful punches to earn Hrgović’s respect, slow the pace and recover.

Instead, Itauma went for the finish.

Chasing a knockout consumes enormous energy, particularly when you are already tired. By then, Itauma had landed tremendous punches throughout the fight without coming particularly close to stopping Hrgović.

He needed to accept: “This guy is probably going 12 rounds.”

Itauma was winning. His priority should therefore have changed from knocking Hrgović out to preserving enough energy to reach the final bell.

Even sacrificing one or two rounds would have been preferable to emptying his remaining tank.

Instead, Itauma threw everything into round eight and finished it exhausted.

Hrgović and his corner appeared to recognise this. Until then, Hrgović had been persistent but relatively cautious because he respected Itauma’s explosiveness. In round nine, that changed completely. Hrgović attacked.

The situation had now reversed. Itauma had spent his career bullying and overwhelming opponents; suddenly he was being pressured by a bigger, stronger and more experienced heavyweight.

Itauma was exhausted. Hrgović had more energy and far more experience of difficult fights. Hrgović knew how to navigate the situation; Itauma had never previously needed to.

Itauma’s inexperience showed again because he could have clinched more, held Hrgović, slowed the fight down and killed time.

Instead, even while exhausted, Itauma continued trying to throw huge punches. Without the energy to execute them properly, they became wide, wild and inaccurate.

But he needed to adapt. When your energy is disappearing, throw shorter, tighter punches. Stop putting maximum power into everything. Clinch when necessary, slow the pace and concentrate on surviving the rounds.

Itauma was still ahead on points at the time of the stoppage. Reaching the final bell might have been enough to win the world title.

Instead, continuing to throw huge clumsy punches exhausted him further and made it obvious that he was physically spent.

Had Itauma preserved more energy, he might still have struggled badly in the final rounds, but he would at least have given himself a better chance of reaching the final bell.

This may simply have been inexperience. Whether it also raises questions about his heart or character is impossible to know yet. Those questions can only be answered as his career develops.

But adversity reveals things about fighters that easy victories cannot. Before Hrgović, Itauma had almost always been in control. We had never really seen how he would react when a fight stopped going his way.

That does not mean he will fall apart whenever he faces adversity in the future. He may instead use this defeat as an important learning experience.
This and other posts from the poster really feel like AI. Look through previous posts. I definitely get AI vibes. The text, grammar and content seem too perfect and seem to lack the human touch. Sorry if I’m wrong….
Ah man, you know having now re-read the post you are probably correct with your assumption (sadly). It is perfectly written with good grammar and like perfect punctuation with full use of colons and semi colons throughout. It all reads so well; too well. And check the way Big Phil's surname is written. Who would actually bother or even have the correct keyboard language settings downloaded to put the correct stress mark on the last letter (c) of his surname.....
Ruthless-RKO
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Re: Round-by-Round: Moses Itauma vs. Filip Hrgovic - 29 August 2026

Post by Ruthless-RKO »

JamesPhilips wrote: 02 Sep 2026, 16:55
Scribe wrote: 02 Sep 2026, 16:36 This is probably the best analysis of the fight anywhere :clap:
Eolaithe wrote: 30 Aug 2026, 14:56 Itauma started very well, throwing sharp combinations and mixing attacks to the head and body.

As expected, Itauma built an early lead. Hrgović, however, remained calm and patient.

He used his experience, knowing Itauma would be explosive early, and absorbed some thunderous punches without panicking or appearing seriously hurt.

There was a question over whether Itauma’s body shots might eventually slow him down, but Hrgović handled those well too. More importantly, while Itauma was constantly moving, feinting and exploding in and out of range, Hrgović conserved his energy.

Itauma sometimes tried to do the same by touching and fencing with his lead hand. The problem came whenever he wanted a break.

Hrgović would step forward and apply pressure. He did not even need to throw much. His presence alone appeared to make Itauma uncomfortable. Whenever Itauma slowed down, Hrgović advanced, often causing Itauma to respond with several hard punches simply to push him back.

Itauma had never really faced this before: an opponent who could absorb his best punches, remain calm and keep coming forward.

Inexperience was probably a major factor. Itauma had usually been the fighter imposing himself on opponents — the “bully” in the ring. Now somebody was refusing to back away and was instead walking towards him.

Itauma was still winning the rounds, but from around the third Hrgović increasingly applied this pressure. Itauma responded too aggressively and never allowed himself to rest properly.

If Itauma was not physically tiring himself by throwing powerful combinations, he was being mentally pressured by a big, strong heavyweight constantly advancing. He probably felt he could never completely relax.

Even the second-round knockdown did not affect Hrgović mentally. The experienced veteran simply got up and continued.

From the third round onwards, an important pattern developed: Itauma remained ahead and landed big punches, but Hrgović would not go away.

Eventually Itauma needed to ask himself: “What happens if this man cannot be knocked out?”

Does he accept that Hrgović may go 12 rounds, or continue trying to stop him?
That is where Itauma made his crucial strategic mistake.

In round eight, after appearing to hurt Hrgović with several big punches, Itauma launched another huge attack despite already running low on energy.

He had a choice: chase the knockout or recognise that Filip had survived everything so far and use those successful punches to earn Hrgović’s respect, slow the pace and recover.

Instead, Itauma went for the finish.

Chasing a knockout consumes enormous energy, particularly when you are already tired. By then, Itauma had landed tremendous punches throughout the fight without coming particularly close to stopping Hrgović.

He needed to accept: “This guy is probably going 12 rounds.”

Itauma was winning. His priority should therefore have changed from knocking Hrgović out to preserving enough energy to reach the final bell.

Even sacrificing one or two rounds would have been preferable to emptying his remaining tank.

Instead, Itauma threw everything into round eight and finished it exhausted.

Hrgović and his corner appeared to recognise this. Until then, Hrgović had been persistent but relatively cautious because he respected Itauma’s explosiveness. In round nine, that changed completely. Hrgović attacked.

The situation had now reversed. Itauma had spent his career bullying and overwhelming opponents; suddenly he was being pressured by a bigger, stronger and more experienced heavyweight.

Itauma was exhausted. Hrgović had more energy and far more experience of difficult fights. Hrgović knew how to navigate the situation; Itauma had never previously needed to.

Itauma’s inexperience showed again because he could have clinched more, held Hrgović, slowed the fight down and killed time.

Instead, even while exhausted, Itauma continued trying to throw huge punches. Without the energy to execute them properly, they became wide, wild and inaccurate.

But he needed to adapt. When your energy is disappearing, throw shorter, tighter punches. Stop putting maximum power into everything. Clinch when necessary, slow the pace and concentrate on surviving the rounds.

Itauma was still ahead on points at the time of the stoppage. Reaching the final bell might have been enough to win the world title.

Instead, continuing to throw huge clumsy punches exhausted him further and made it obvious that he was physically spent.

Had Itauma preserved more energy, he might still have struggled badly in the final rounds, but he would at least have given himself a better chance of reaching the final bell.

This may simply have been inexperience. Whether it also raises questions about his heart or character is impossible to know yet. Those questions can only be answered as his career develops.

But adversity reveals things about fighters that easy victories cannot. Before Hrgović, Itauma had almost always been in control. We had never really seen how he would react when a fight stopped going his way.

That does not mean he will fall apart whenever he faces adversity in the future. He may instead use this defeat as an important learning experience.
This and other posts from the poster really feel like AI. Look through previous posts. I definitely get AI vibes. The text, grammar and content seem too perfect and seem to lack the human touch. Sorry if I’m wrong….
It’s EO.

He’s real oryt. Been at it for years.
Boxerbeetle
Light Heavyweight
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Re: Round-by-Round: Moses Itauma vs. Filip Hrgovic - 29 August 2026

Post by Boxerbeetle »

Imagine using AI to write a post on a boxing forum. What a sad little life :lol:
coneye
Heavyweight
Heavyweight
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Re: Round-by-Round: Moses Itauma vs. Filip Hrgovic - 29 August 2026

Post by coneye »

Coco wrote: 02 Sep 2026, 09:17
keithmoonhangover wrote: 02 Sep 2026, 06:17
Coco wrote: 01 Sep 2026, 21:20

A great example is when he beat Zhang.

However not a lot of fighters would have been able to take what Moses gave out
I just don't think Itauma was in great shape.
It's not so much that, the issue is working at a pace you don't want to.

Even for Fury, usually he is in complete control of the pace, against Uysk in the first fight, despite winning the first half of the fight, he wasn't in control of the pace and couldn't keep it up.

I'm sure Moses can easily do 12 at his own pace, and in the gym no-one is good enough to push him.

When he was pushed, he fell short
Correct Coco , in i would off swore by this until i read he's never done 12 rnds in the gym , However there are always tell tail signs , especielly when he's a big puncher , Hit hard in the gym and control the pace , And i have read somewhere , his spars are always hard ,Thers your reason
,
An experienced coach would of seen this and myself i would of brought in 3 smaller faster guys , Moses under strict instruction to box not bang ,

10 rnds at a very fast pace all 3 doing 1 minuite each then change , 30 second break , , of superfast and light sparring , boxing only NO BANGING THEM OUT ,,, and thats in his general training just to get him in condition . , , closer to the fight then bring in the big boys , using 2-3 of them at the same time .

I am a believer you want to get punch fit then PUNCH , i never seen no race horse kicking a bag
Ruthless-RKO
Welterweight
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Re: Round-by-Round: Moses Itauma vs. Filip Hrgovic - 29 August 2026

Post by Ruthless-RKO »

Fabio Wardley confirms that Moses Itauma sparred 12 rounds 'multiple times'

"I know Moses did [spar] 12 rounds multiple times,” Wardley told TalkSport when asked about Itauma’s conditioning.

"He did it in the build-up to the fight, not before when that interview was done.

"There's a reason for that because you build up towards something, so he may have done eight-rounders, 10s, then finished on 12s.

"We are big heavy guys, we don't do 12 rounds sparring all the time, we wouldn't make it to the fight.

"You have to be savvy about how you prepare for a fight, camps are long, you have to balance it well enough."

As for the criticism directed at Davison – who coaches both Wardley and Itauma – the former WBO heavyweight champion added: "I think a lot of the chat aimed at Ben Davison is ridiculous. There is clips of the corner work, they were giving him the most direct advice.

"Moses is 21 years old, give the guy some credit, and give the guy a break.

"A loss, as long as you take it as a learning experience, there is loads you can take from it.”
jameswilson
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Re: Round-by-Round: Moses Itauma vs. Filip Hrgovic - 29 August 2026

Post by jameswilson »

keithmoonhangover wrote: 02 Sep 2026, 07:53
forcefraser wrote: 02 Sep 2026, 07:22 He did take some stick to the body. In the 8th and particularly in the 9th he took some massive shots in the gut.

That last one that sent him flying into the ropes could have done him no favours. Maybe that was the shot that did his legs in
Yeah, that lost body shot was a tremendous blow.
And the commentators rarely notice them going in.

As you’ve said Hrgovic landed a hell of a lot of body shots throughout the fight. I dread to think what the number would be if one of us go back and add them up.

I’ve also seen some footage from the corner, not sure what round it would be but Davison says ‘put your arms down and breath deep’ and Itauma is hyperventilating, must have been breathing a breath every half second he just couldn’t slow himself down at all.
Eolaithe
Super Featherweight
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Re: Round-by-Round: Moses Itauma vs. Filip Hrgovic - 29 August 2026

Post by Eolaithe »

Scribe wrote: 02 Sep 2026, 17:26
JamesPhilips wrote: 02 Sep 2026, 16:55
Scribe wrote: 02 Sep 2026, 16:36 This is probably the best analysis of the fight anywhere :clap:

This and other posts from the poster really feel like AI. Look through previous posts. I definitely get AI vibes. The text, grammar and content seem too perfect and seem to lack the human touch. Sorry if I’m wrong….
Ah man, you know having now re-read the post you are probably correct with your assumption (sadly). It is perfectly written with good grammar and like perfect punctuation with full use of colons and semi colons throughout. It all reads so well; too well. And check the way Big Phil's surname is written. Who would actually bother or even have the correct keyboard language settings downloaded to put the correct stress mark on the last letter (c) of his surname.....
I have been a member of the BoxRec forum since February 2019, which is clearly much earlier than when LLM technology became mainstream.

Here is one of my earliest posts: viewtopic.php?p=5107603#p5107603
Yuzo
Welterweight
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Re: Round-by-Round: Moses Itauma vs. Filip Hrgovic - 29 August 2026

Post by Yuzo »

jameswilson wrote: 03 Sep 2026, 14:30
keithmoonhangover wrote: 02 Sep 2026, 07:53
forcefraser wrote: 02 Sep 2026, 07:22 He did take some stick to the body. In the 8th and particularly in the 9th he took some massive shots in the gut.

That last one that sent him flying into the ropes could have done him no favours. Maybe that was the shot that did his legs in
Yeah, that lost body shot was a tremendous blow.
And the commentators rarely notice them going in.

As you’ve said Hrgovic landed a hell of a lot of body shots throughout the fight. I dread to think what the number would be if one of us go back and add them up.

I’ve also seen some footage from the corner, not sure what round it would be but Davison says ‘put your arms down and breath deep’ and Itauma is hyperventilating, must have been breathing a breath every half second he just couldn’t slow himself down at all.
he got hit with a body shot in the 8th and he was in a lot of pain.

Image

he missed with a right hook and tried to stick his arm out to stiff arm, the youtube trainers have a term for this, something very fancy sounding, but to speak more plainly, he picked up his right elbow and that was very dumb.
overhand_right
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Re: Round-by-Round: Moses Itauma vs. Filip Hrgovic - 29 August 2026

Post by overhand_right »

Ruthless-RKO wrote: 02 Sep 2026, 17:30
JamesPhilips wrote: 02 Sep 2026, 16:55
Scribe wrote: 02 Sep 2026, 16:36 This is probably the best analysis of the fight anywhere :clap:

This and other posts from the poster really feel like AI. Look through previous posts. I definitely get AI vibes. The text, grammar and content seem too perfect and seem to lack the human touch. Sorry if I’m wrong….
It’s EO.

He’s real oryt. Been at it for years.
That is 100% an AI written post.

What a sad pathetic man needing AI to give him some takes and write out his posts on a boxing forum.
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