On The Watch “It’s All About Moses Itauma vs Filip Hrgovic”

Vacant IBF Heavyweight Championship

Yesterday’s Queensberry Promotions/DAZN Main Event between undefeated Heavyweight Moses Itauma (14-1, 12 Kos) and Filip Hrgovic (21-1, 16 Kos) turned out to be a show stopper when these two big warriors collided at the O2 Arena in London, England.

From the first bell, the young hungry lion Itauma, came out the gate in his usual aggressive and destructive manner landing some heavy punches while controlling the first few rounds with ease. Itauma’s power was quite visible as he managed to drop Hrgovic early in the second round but Hrgovic did not fold.

It was very interesting to see Itauma having to deal with some resistance. Although Itauma was putting a beating on Hrgovic, the older lion refused to crumble at Itauma’s hands. Hrgovic stood his ground and relied on his sturdy chin, durability and experience to weather the storm coming at him by way of Itauma’s aggressive approach. By doing so, visible fatigue started to creep up on Itauma whose punch output dwindled after the first 4 rounds.

With Itauma starting to lose form and discipline inside that squared circle, Hrgovic continued to stand his ground and survive the rounds while patiently waiting for his opportunity. By the eighth, Itauma had completely abandoned his boxing and was only looking to slug it out hoping to get the knockout to end this bout, but Hrgovic responded well and dished out just as much as he was taking in.

Hrgovic sensed the inevitable going into the ninth round and proceeded to go for the kill and pressed the exhausted bully with some good shots that had Itauma staggering with only the ropes holding him up for dear life with absolutely nothing left in the tank to protect himself. This prompted Itauma’s corner to throw in the towel to protect their fighter and stop the fight. 

Many had counted “EL Animal” the older lion, to be another victim at Itauma’s hands but greatly underestimated the experience that Hrgovic possesses. Hrgovic silenced all the naysayers on enemy lines and prevailed to capture the vacant IBF Championship Title, crowning him the New IBF Heavyweight Champion of the World and the first to do so from Croatia.

Congratulations Filip Hrgovic, you’ve earned this one the right way.

Blaze

On The Watch “It’s All About Joe Joyce vs Filip Hrgovic”

Heavyweight Showdown

Last night’s Queensberry Promotions/DAZN Main Event between Joe “Juggernaut” Joyce (16-4, 15 Kos) and Filip “El Animal” Hrgovic (18-1, 14 Kos) was quite entertaining considering what these two combatants brought to that squared circle at the Co-Op Live Arena in Manchester, England.

Hrgovic, who took this bout on short notice, clearly wasn’t at his best on the night but did assert himself quite well considering the short three-week camp. Hrgovic conserved his energy by throwing calculated and effectives punches round by round making sure each and every one of them was felt.

As for Joyce, who may have looked the part, definitely looked like a fighter that has been regressing fight after fight as of late. Joyce understood the assignment and proceeded to press the action but to me he was getting hit way too cleanly round by round. Joyce was never a fast fighter but last night, although his punches still looked like they thumped with power, his slow movement and reaction made it painful to watch at times.

That said, Hrgovic may not have been in tip top shape but was good enough to go rounds with a slow looking “Juggernaut” and hammer in his punches as much as he could to edge out the rounds in my opinion.

Joyce showed us he could still take a heavy punch but at the cost of taking them he did not look good. After 10 brutal rounds of action the Judges at hand scored it 98-92, 97-93 and 96-95 unanimously for Filip Hrgovic.

This was an important bout for both combatants. The winner can move forward to a brighter opportunity while the loser will fall down the Heavyweight Division standings and re-evaluate their future.

Blaze