Moses Itauma is expected to return to the ring early in 2027 as the British heavyweight begins the process of rebuilding his career following his first professional defeat.
Itauma suffered the setback in his biggest test to date when he was stopped by Croatian heavyweight Filip Hrgovic in their world-title contest.
The highly rated 21-year-old entered the bout with an unbeaten record and growing expectations that he could eventually establish himself as one of the leading forces in the heavyweight division.
However, Itauma struggled with his physical reserves as the fight progressed and was stopped in the ninth round after Hrgovic took advantage of his fading energy.
The British southpaw was subsequently taken to hospital after being stretchered from the ring but has since made a good recovery.
His promoter, Frank Warren, has now revealed that Itauma is already back in training and is targeting an early return next year.
“He’s going to fight very early next year, I’ve spoken to him a few times,” Warren told iFL TV.
“He’s actually back in the gym. I’m going to sit down with the team in the next week.
“Now the dust is settled, we can all speak calmly and clearly. He’s very disappointed.”
Warren also indicated that significant changes would be considered following the defeat as Itauma and his team assess what went wrong against Hrgovic.
“He knows what he did wrong. And as I’ve said from the start, there has got to be some serious changes,” the promoter added.
The defeat has prompted questions about the next stage of Itauma’s development, with some critics also questioning the role of trainer Ben Davison.
Others, however, believe the loss was partly the result of Itauma being moved into a major heavyweight test before gaining enough experience over longer distances.
The expectation is that Itauma could return against a less demanding opponent as he works his way back towards the top of the division and rebuilds his confidence.
Despite the setback, his long-term potential remains highly regarded. Former boxer Paul Smith believes Itauma still has the ability to become a heavyweight champion and dominate the division if he learns from the experience.
“After watching that fight, I’d put my house on Moses dominating the division and becoming a champion,” Smith said on talkBOXING.
“But I think he just lacked physical fitness, and needed someone to say to him, ‘slow it down and take some off’.
“It just suited Hrgovic perfectly because he was unloading with no regard for what was coming back.”
Itauma’s next fight will therefore be closely watched as he begins a new chapter in his heavyweight career, with his team expected to make adjustments before his return early in 2027.
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