Promoter Frank Warren has expressed cautious optimism about Moses Itauma's future following the British boxer's ninth-round stoppage loss to Filip Hrgovic in a vacant IBF world title bout at The O2 on Saturday.

Itauma, 21, was taken to hospital after the fight for precautionary medical checks but was discharged the following day. Despite the defeat, Warren highlighted that the coming months will be a crucial period for Itauma’s career if he chooses to continue rebuilding.

The bout was Itauma’s most demanding challenge thus far in his 15-fight professional career. Early on, he impressed with his hand speed and movement, controlling much of the fight. However, as the contest entered the later rounds, Itauma began trading punches more freely, which culminated in visible signs of exhaustion in the eighth and ninth rounds. He ultimately staggered around the ring before the referee stopped the fight.

Prior to the match, it was revealed that Itauma had never sparred for a full 12 rounds in training — the scheduled length of the fight — and this was also the first time in his professional career that he had fought beyond six rounds. Hrgovic, an experienced opponent, was able to weather Itauma’s early attack and used his ring craft to gain the upper hand in the later stages.

Warren acknowledged the defeat as a setback but also a learning opportunity. He refrained from making definitive statements about Itauma’s next steps, emphasizing the importance of the boxer’s mindset and willingness to continue. “It’s too early to be making those decisions, you want to talk to him first and he will have to want to do it, which I’m sure he will,” Warren said. “You find out the calibre of a guy. It’s all about the mindset and where they’re at. You should learn from something like this and I’m sure he will.”

The promoter added that the loss removes some of the aura of invincibility that had surrounded Itauma, which could potentially make it easier to arrange future fights. He also stressed that a tactical reassessment would be necessary if Itauma is to fulfill his potential at the highest level.

Itauma, highly regarded as one of Britain’s most promising young prospects, will face a pivotal period as he decides whether and how to move forward in his professional boxing career after this high-profile setback.