Wladimir Klitschko shares encouraging message with Moses Itauma after Filip Hrgovic defeat

Wladimir Klitschko is a man who knows all too well what Moses Itauma is feeling right now.

The Ukrainian suffered multiple early setbacks in his career, losing to Ross Puritty, Corrie Sanders and Lamon Brewster inside the distance.

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But after some soul-searching and plenty of hard work in the gym with Emmanuel Steward, Klitschko embarked on a legendary 11-year unbeaten run that saw him rise to the top of the heavyweight division.

On Sunday morning, after the dust had settled on Filip Hrgovic’s remarkable come-from-behind win over Itauma, Klitschko sent a message to both men.

To Hrgovic, a message of congratulations, and to Itauma, a reminder that a person’s true character is measured by how they come back from a defeat.

Wladimir Klitschko sends message to Filip Hrgovic and Moses Itauma

“My favorite principle in the /FACE methodology is ENDURANCE, and once again, ENDURANCE beats masterwork and talent, like in the fight last night, Hrgovic vs. Moses,” wrote the former unified heavyweight world champion.

“Congrats to my former sparring partner, one and only [Filip Hrgovic]. You are the real champ!

“[Itauma] I’ve been there where you’re now; you can bounce back big time if you really want it.”

Itauma was stopped in the ninth round of a gruelling contest that he had been on top of up until that point.

The precocious 21-year-old had arguably won all of the previous rounds, but he punched himself out in the eighth stanza and paid dearly for it when the next round got underway.

After absorbing all of Itauma’s best shots and having briefly touched the canvas in the second round, a considerably fresher Hrgovic had the Brit out on his feet with a late flurry.

Referee Howard Foster eventually stepped in and waved off the bout with 33 seconds left in the round.

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Itauma was subsequently placed on a stretcher and rushed to hospital before being discharged on the same night.

He has since taken to social media to vow to come back stronger.

Moses Itauma breaks silence

“Yesterday was not my night,” said Itauma.

“We attempted greatness, and we just fell short to the more experienced man.

“I wanna say congratulations to Filip Hrgovic on his win, and although I never reached my desired outcome, I believe I gained experience that I’ll take to my future fights.

“I wanna thank my fans in and outside of the arena.

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“You guys made it a little bit more special and electrifying than I expected.

“It was a f***ing good fight, and I wanna thank Queensberry and DAZN for putting this show on.

“So, God bless, take care, and I’ll be back.”

In defeat, Itauma was denied the opportunity to become the second-youngest heavyweight world champion in history, behind Mike Tyson.

Hrgovic, on the other hand, is Croatia’s first heavyweight world champion, and the second of any weight class in his country’s history.

The big Croat is now set to face No.1-ranked IBF contender Frank Sanchez, who stepped aside to allow Itauma and Hrgovic to box for the vacant IBF belt.

Itauma will, meanwhile, undergo a rebuilding process to get his career back on track.

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