“I’ve knocked everyone out in the first or second round. Jermaine Franklin has never, ever, ever touched the canvas and just come off a victory over Ivan Dychko.
“I’ve splattered him in five rounds, you know what I mean? When you say golden child, it makes it seem like it’s a privilege. I wouldn’t say that I’ve been privileged in boxing.”
Hrgovic inferred that Itauma’s success has been served up to him on a plate, while Hrgovic has fought on the road, he’s fought in the World Series of Boxing, and he was a top international amateur who medalled at the 2016 Olympics.
“I’m not going to argue my point because I know, but come on,” Itauma continued. “Did they put Dillian Whyte on a plate for me? No, I had to do a whole training camp. I don’t mind you guys saying this because you guys don’t know, but he’s a fighter himself. It’s just disappointing that he’s saying this because going through a camp, spending the money you’ve got to spend, and then not only that, all the stuff that’s actually inside the boxing ring, the things that you have to take care of, and then he’s saying this. It just shows his character, doesn’t it?”
Because while the stories of Itauma handling world champions in the gym when he was just 16 spread far and they were spread fast. The tales of him practising combinations for hours in empty gyms, of having to face down champions while still a boy, have received far less play.
“One hundred per cent,” he agreed. “I’m not saying one story is better than the other, but you think, obviously, Hrgovic is already far into his career. I’m still at the beginning. Hrgovic has done it. I just think we’ve lived different lives and I can appreciate his story.”
And while Hrgovic’s road has been tough – as are those for all boxers, really – Itauma also believes the 20-1 (15 KOs) Hrgovic’s Olympic bronze earned him privileges in the pros.
