Nigerian-born heavyweight boxer, Moses Itauma unleashed a controversial push that almost sent his Croatian opponent, Filip Hrgovic crashing to the floor during their official weigh-in ahead of Saturday’s International Boxing Federation (IBF) title fight in London.
Sports247 reports that, in what fight buffs noted as a reflection of a return to the brutal side that Itauma’s older brother, Karol, spoke about during the week, the 21-yeaer-old title favourite allowed his exuberance spill over 24 hours to the bout at O2 Arena.
IBF officials, arbiters, media and fans were taken aback, as Itauma, whose father hails from Akwa Ibom State, displayed what a section of the British press described as ‘a notable change’ from the youngster, who was initially calm throughout the event, despite Hrgovic’s antics.
A report by UK’s Daily Mail added, “.Moses Itauma and Filip Hrgovic had to be pulled apart by security after their heavyweight weigh-in descended into chaos. Hrgovic was pushed off the stage before slapping his rival.
“The two heavyweights exchanged heated words during their face-off before lining up for one final set of photographs. When Hrgovic stepped in front of Itauma, the Brit shoved him forward, sending his opponent tumbling off the stage.
“A furious Hrgovic immediately climbed back up and slapped Itauma, who then went berserk as both men attempted to fight before security rushed in to drag them apart. Itauma had previously dismissed his rival’s insults as ‘schoolground banter’, while Hrgovic tried to provoke him.”
The incident came some 72 hours after Karol Itauma recalled how his younger brother was knocking out grown adults since he was 12 years old, thereby raising early compatrisons with ‘Iron’ Mike Tyson, who holds a record as the world’s youngest ever heavyweight champion.
Karol’s disclosure further raised expectations ahead of Saturday’s big night in London, as Itauma and Hrgovic face off for the IBF’s vacant heavyweight world title, with many betting on the Nigerian-born lad, who enacted two round one knockouts in 2023.
Just three years on, and with a record of 12 knockouts from a total of 14 professional fights, Itauma can become the youngest British heavyweight champion of all time – if he overcomes Hrgovic at the O2 Arena; something which many fight pundits already tag as fait accompli.
