British heavyweight Moses Itauma faces growing scrutiny over his physical conditioning following his defeat against Filip Hrgovic. Weighing roughly 245 pounds, the 21-year-old suffered a stamina collapse after failing to secure an early stoppage, raising immediate questions regarding his long-term weight management and training regime.
Itauma entered the ring at 245 pounds on a 6-foot-4 frame, displaying noticeable softness around his waist that provided no obvious athletic advantage. From the opening bell, the young prospect set an aggressive tempo, attempting to overwhelm Hrgovic with raw speed and heavy power shots. Itauma approached the bout as if it were scheduled for just three rounds, loading up on almost every single punch. Hrgovic weathered the early storm. Once the seasoned opponent survived the initial assault and began fighting back, Itauma proved unable to maintain a fast pace, with his extra mass rapidly becoming baggage.
Inefficient pacing and excess weight combined to expose the young fighter’s endurance limits during the middle rounds. While veteran heavyweights such as Tyson Fury have demonstrated the stamina to box 12 full rounds while carrying extra weight, Itauma has not yet shown that aerobic capacity. Carrying additional mass serves little practical purpose if it fails to enhance punching power, durability, or movement inside the ring.
Excess weight rarely disappears by accident as a heavyweight matures. At 21 years old, Itauma is currently at the easiest stage of his career for controlling his body composition.
If unaddressed, a weight of 245 pounds can easily climb higher as training camps become more physically demanding in a fighter’s late twenties. Subsequent weight increases are often mislabelled as added strength, yet extra fat without stamina compromises ring control. Itauma must strip away every pound that does not directly contribute to performance. Scrutiny now turns to trainer Ben Davison, with observers questioning whether camp preparation must become far more demanding to ensure Itauma develops the necessary stamina for high-level boxing.
