TLDR
- Filip Hrgovic stopped Moses Itauma in the ninth round last month to win the vacant IBF heavyweight title
- Tony Bellew predicts Itauma will win a potential rematch due to his superior technical skills
- Bellew believes exhaustion, not Hrgovic’s power, caused Itauma’s first career defeat
- Itauma requested a rematch immediately after the loss at London’s O2 Arena
- Hrgovic is expected to defend against mandatory challenger Frank Sanchez instead of facing Itauma again
Sources: middleeasy.com | punchng.com | talksport.com
Former WBC cruiserweight world champion Tony Bellew has backed Moses Itauma to defeat Filip Hrgovic in a potential rematch, weeks after the Croatian handed the British-Nigerian prospect his first professional loss.
Hrgovic stopped Itauma in the ninth round last month to claim the vacant IBF heavyweight title at the O2 Arena in London. The victory made Hrgovic Croatia’s first heavyweight world champion.
Itauma, who was expected to become the second-youngest heavyweight world champion in boxing history, had knocked Hrgovic down in the second round. The 21-year-old controlled large portions of the fight before fading badly in the later rounds.
The stoppage came in round nine after Itauma’s conditioning issues became apparent. He requested a rematch immediately after the defeat.
Bellew Credits Technical Skills Over Power
Speaking on the Fight Your Corner Podcast, Bellew said he expects Itauma to win a second meeting with the Croatian champion. He pointed to Itauma’s technical advantages as the deciding factor.
“I think that he beats Filip Hrgovic in a rematch. I just think that he is technically so good,” Bellew said.
Bellew dismissed the idea that Hrgovic’s punching power caused the stoppage. He attributed Itauma’s loss to exhaustion rather than damage from strikes.
Trainer Abel Sanchez claims Moses Itauma is not a big puncher and says time will show that as he faces better opposition. 🚫💥 pic.twitter.com/8LjF0B4GCI
— World Boxing News (@WorldBoxingNews) September 8, 2026
“Did Hrgovic hurt Itauma the first time? I don’t think he did; I think he was just exhausted,” Bellew explained.
The former champion acknowledged that Itauma faces physical disadvantages against Hrgovic. However, he believes the young fighter’s superior boxing skills would overcome those challenges in a rematch.
Itauma had been heavily favored before the first fight. His early knockdown of Hrgovic seemed to confirm predictions that he would capture the title.
Mandatory Challenge Likely Delays Rematch
Despite Itauma’s stated desire to face Hrgovic again, the rematch appears unlikely in the immediate future. Hrgovic is expected to defend his IBF title against Cuba’s Frank Sanchez instead.
Sanchez is the mandatory challenger for the belt. He had previously stepped aside to allow Itauma and Hrgovic to fight for the vacant championship.
The IBF typically requires champions to face mandatory challengers within specific timeframes. This means Hrgovic will likely need to satisfy his obligation to Sanchez before considering other opponents.
Itauma’s loss marked one of the biggest upsets in heavyweight boxing this year. The young prospect had been undefeated entering the contest and was seen as a future star of the division.
The defeat exposed questions about Itauma’s conditioning and readiness for elite-level competition. Some observers have suggested he was rushed into a title fight too early in his career.
Hrgovic’s victory came after years of campaigning for a world title shot. The 32-year-old had been a top contender for several years before finally capturing the IBF belt.
If a rematch does materialize, Itauma will need to demonstrate improved stamina and conditioning. His technical skills impressed observers even in defeat, but his inability to maintain his pace proved costly against the experienced Croatian.
Hrgovic is expected to make his first title defense against Sanchez in the coming months. Itauma will likely need to secure at least one more victory before earning another shot at the IBF champion.
