Moses Itauma vowed “I’ll be back” after failing in his attempt to become the second-youngest ever heavyweight world champion on Saturday.
Britain’s Itauma, 21, tore through his first 14 opponents but his team threw in the towel in the ninth round against Filip Hrgovic at O2 Arena, London.
Having appeared to punch himself out, Itauma was barely able to stand as Hrgovic, 34, applied pressure to end the fight.
“It wasn’t my night, we attempted greatness and just fell short to the more experienced man,” Itauma said on social media.
“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.
“God bless, take care and I’ll be back.”