George Groves labels Moses Itauma a 'three‑round fighter' after Hrgovic ends IBF tilt in ninth
Moses Itauma’s early burst failed to carry him through an IBF heavyweight title fight as Filip Hrgovic closed the show in the ninth. George Groves told Sky Sports Itauma is currently a “three‑round fighter,” BoxingNews24’s analysis adds.
Moses Itauma’s fast, aggressive start earned him an IBF heavyweight title shot at 21, but BoxingNews24 says Filip Hrgovic’s veteran resistance exposed serious limits. Hrgovic ‘closed the show in round nine,’ the site reported, and former world champion George Groves told Sky Sports that Itauma is, for now, a “three‑round fighter.” The analysis argues Itauma’s reliance on all‑out power, an energy‑sapping bounce and an inability to take defensive breaks left him vulnerable once the early burst faded, and recommends a major tactical overhaul rather than more highlight‑reel knockouts.
George Groves: 'At the moment, he's a three‑round fighter'
After Hrgovic finished the fight in the ninth round, George Groves told Sky Sports that Itauma’s current profile is that of a “three‑round fighter.” BoxingNews24 highlighted that comment in a piece assessing how the young heavyweight’s explosive approach failed to translate into sustained success against a durable veteran. Groves’ remark, carried by Sky Sports and reported by BoxingNews24, frames the wider critique: Itauma can start fast and dangerous, but his output and tactics currently leave him with only a short effective window in high‑level fights.
Early fireworks, then a veteran steadying the ship
BoxingNews24’s report says Itauma enjoyed the speed advantage in the opening minutes, landing sharp, clean shots as he chased a knockout. Rather than establishing measured range with probing jabs, the analysis notes he repeatedly loaded heavy hooks from the bell and pursued a rapid finish. Hrgovic absorbed the initial storm, forced the younger man into prolonged exchanges and, according to the report, ‘closed the show in round nine.’ BoxingNews24 argues Hrgovic’s veteran composure allowed him to weather the early assault and capitalise as Itauma’s resources waned.
Why Itauma burned out: mechanics, movement and defence
The critique focuses on the mechanics and movement that accelerated Itauma’s decline. BoxingNews24 describes how committing full hip and shoulder torque to nearly every punch—instead of varying force to dislodge a guard—damages a fighter’s back and shoulders and accelerates energy depletion. Itauma’s high‑tempo, darting bounce into range also strained his calves; when that bounce vanished, his posture and head movement deteriorated, leaving him square‑on and vulnerable. The report adds he lacked defensive 'resting' techniques such as clinching or circling, choosing to keep throwing into mounting fatigue rather than creating controlled breaks in the action.