Tony Bellew wonders if Moses Itauma even likes boxing, arguing that natural ability might outstrip genuine passion. Still, that loss to Filip Hrgovic revealed technical flaws passion by itself cannot fix.
“I don’t think the kid’s a student of the game,” Bellew said on Fight Your Corner via the Stomping Ground. “I don’t think he actually likes boxing. I think it’s something he’s good at. And that’s a worry.”
A fighter can train constantly yet still unravel during prolonged exchanges. Facing Hrgovic, Itauma grew visibly unsettled whenever punches came back his way. He leaped backward to clear distance, then burned massive energy leaping back inside to hunt a knockout.
Think of it like an inefficient take on Shakur Stevenson stepping back. Itauma kept hauling his heavy build completely out of range before lunging forward again. Chasing an early stoppage with that footwork burned up his gas tank fast.
The real problem was his reaction to getting tagged. Taking shots only made him rush harder for a finish. With every round Hrgovic absorbed, Itauma entered the next exchange on empty.
Bellew stood up for trainer Ben Davison, pointing out the corner told Itauma to ease off.
“He should have known after four rounds or five rounds of hitting Filip Hrgovic with the kitchen sink, I need to just put this fella on a jab for five or six rounds here,” Bellew said.
Pumping a jab makes sense, but Itauma really needed tighter defense to stay composed when leather started flying. That comes down to craft, not how much he enjoys his job.
He is only 21, so there is plenty of runway. Still, youth will not magically iron out bad habits. Fragile opponents who melt under early power let him win without fixing anything. A rugged veteran ready to drag him into deep water will exploit the exact same gaps. Bellew questioning his love for the gym grabs headlines, but how Itauma handles incoming fire is what really matters.
