Itauma critics silenced by former world champion after Hrgovic stoppage loss

On Saturday night, the 21-year-old was beaten for the first time in his career, losing to Filip Hrgovic in their clash for the vacant IBF world heavyweight title. 

After a defeat which saw Moses run out of energy following a quick start, there are critics who are questioning whether he had the necessary stamina to compete in the later rounds. 

Haye silences Moses critics

However, former world heavyweight champion David Haye leapt to the defence of the Briton.

In an interview on Built Different Boxing, Haye explained that while Moses would have trained for 12 rounds, his downfall was not knowing how to manage his energy effectively. 

"You’re fighting for 12 rounds, 12 rounds is a long time," Haye said.

"To the armchair fans at home, it looks like he hasn’t done his running, he hasn’t done his training, he was fit for 12 rounds, he just used 12 rounds of energy in eight rounds.

"He didn’t know how to eke out his energy."

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Hrgovic stuns Moses to become IBF champion

Watch: Croatian upsets Briton to earn heavyweight crown

 

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As the fight reached its eventual conclusion in the ninth round, there were serious concerns for Moses' wellbeing who after being so clinical with his punches was swinging wildly and often missing. 

This change in Moses' shot selection was careless. The wild swings coupled with unsteady legs left Moses open to attack from Hrgovic, and in the end it proved too much with the Croatian eventually getting the win by stoppage. 

In the eyes of Haye, he saw many positives despite Moses losing the contest, the biggest being that the 21-year-old Brit showed he is someone who will leave everything in the ring. 

"He’s got the heart of a warrior, he’s got the heart of a champion," Haye continued. 

"He punches until he can’t punch anymore, he was swinging to the bitter end. What more could you want from a fighter than emptying just every bullet you’ve got until there’s nothing left.

"That’s what you want every fighter to do.

"He was stretchered out of the ring, he could not have done anymore physically, spiritually, that was it."

Watch Garcia vs. Benn on DAZN

Britian's Conor Benn looks to become a world champion for the first time against US superstar Ryan Garcia on Saturday, September 12. Watch the fight exclusively in the UK & Ireland and other territories (check for availability) on DAZN PPV or included in our Ultimate Tier subscription.

For more information, pricing and to buy, click here .