Former Minister of Finance and president of the Nigeria Boxing Federation (NBF) Wale Edun, has praised the resolve shown by heavyweight contender Moses Itauma after the British-based boxer fell short in his WBA title fight Saturday night.
“I had the privilege of sitting beside Dr. Charles Itauma to watch his son contest for the heavyweight championship,” Edun said after the bout.
“It was a tremendous occasion. Moses identifies strongly with Nigeria—he had a big homecoming in 2025—and I was here representing the Nigeria Boxing Federation, and carrying the best wishes of the government and people of Nigeria and of Eket, his hometown.”
Despite the loss, Edun said Itauma, 21, demonstrated the attributes of a future champion.
“He was courageous, determined and hard‑hitting. It didn’t go as planned, but that is life. The true measure of a champion is the ability to overcome setbacks and come back,” he said.
The former Finance Minister Edun placed Itauma’s rise within a longer Nigerian boxing tradition, citing mid‑20th‑century fighters such as Ogekanke Bassey and Samuel “The Nightmare” Peters, and more recent diaspora stars including Anthony Joshua and Lawrence Okolie.
“We have produced notable boxers both at home and abroad,” he said.
Looking ahead, Edun said the federation will drive for more professional preparation for young fighters.
“Sport is now a major science, business and industry. As president of the Nigerian Boxing Federation, I intend to give our young talents the best opportunities to develop,” he said, without providing a timetable or specific programmes.
NewsQuest reports that Itauma lost his first professional fight while challenging for the vacant IBF heavyweight world title in London on Saturday as he was stunned by Filipino Hrgovic in a world heavyweight title thriller.
Itauma was aiming to become the second-youngest heavyweight champion ever – only after Mike Tyson – but his corner threw in the towel in round nine to end that dream.
London’s O2 Arena crowd was left in shock as Hrgovic became Croatia’s first-ever world heavyweight champion, having survived his British foe’s best shots before turning the tide to collect the vacant IBF belt.
Hrgovic, 34, demonstrated an incredible chin, and Itauma tired as the fight wore on, with his technique deserting him and his legs growing wobbly. And Hrgovic capitalised by pouring on punches, leading Itauma’s coach Ben Davison to throw in the towel.
“It wasn’t my night, we attempted greatness and just fell short to the more experienced man,” Itauma said on social media after the fight.
“I want to 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.”
