“That I fear?” Itauma replied to talkSPORT Boxing.
When the question was repeated, the 21‑year‑old cut in again.
“Did you say fear?” he asked.
Itauma eventually explained that he sees boxing as a puzzle and believes thorough preparation can overcome any challenge. Yet what followed was more telling.
Even after the conversation shifted, he returned to the topic.
“No, I’m just shocked that you said it,” Itauma told the hosts.
For a fighter who usually appears measured and composed, the exchange was striking. Itauma had no trouble discussing Hrgovic’s strengths, praising the Croatian as one of the top heavyweights and outlining his résumé. However, the mere suggestion that he might fear an opponent seemed to touch a nerve.
Whether it was surprise, pride, or simple disbelief, Itauma appeared unwilling to let the word pass without addressing it repeatedly.
As an unbeaten heavyweight who prides himself on supreme confidence, hearing the word “fear” linked to his name was a jolt. Had he been unbothered, he would have laughed it off, offered a quick “I fear no man,” and moved on. Instead, his reaction unfolded as follows:
- He froze completely, prompting the host to repeat the question twice to confirm he had heard it correctly.
- He gave his usual, PR‑friendly answer about boxing being a puzzle, which felt like a defensive move to regain his composure.
- The most telling sign was that he brought the issue back up after the conversation had already moved elsewhere.
That final point is the giveaway: the question lingered in his mind while they discussed something else. He couldn’t let it go because his pride was wounded; he wanted to make it clear to the hosts—and anyone listening—that even suggesting he feels fear is absurd.
It shows that, while he may view opponents as puzzles to solve, he is still a 21‑year‑old fighter with considerable pride, and the media can easily get under his skin if they hit the right spot.
When an unbeaten prospect is built up as the next big thing, they start living in a bubble where everyone tells them they are invincible. Itauma has been tearing through opponents, and the press has treated him as the heavyweight division’s savior. In his own mind, he is the ultimate predator.
So when a reporter asks if he fears anyone, it shatters that narrative. It forces him to see himself through a normal, human lens, and his ego cannot process it. To him, the question itself feels like an insult because it implies vulnerability.
Itauma could not tolerate a disruption to his image of total dominance. It is precisely this inability to let a perceived slight go. He had to circle back to it because his pride was dented, proving that despite all the hype, he remains human and can definitely be rattled.
The timing is notable given the dynamics surrounding the upcoming bout. Hrgovic has spent much of the promotion pushing back against the idea that he is merely a stepping stone for boxing’s fastest‑rising heavyweight prospect. Itauma, meanwhile, appears equally resistant to any suggestion that another heavyweight could occupy space in his mind as a figure to be feared.
Their August 29 showdown at London’s O2 Arena will decide whose confidence is justified. Hrgovic believes he will expose the hype surrounding the young contender, while Itauma has made it clear he views the Croatian as another obstacle to be solved rather than someone to worry about.
Ken Woods has been a senior writer at Boxing News 24 since 2013, covering the sport from every angle. With years of ringside reporting, he delivers fight news, results, and analysis that cut through the noise. Ken’s work consistently spotlights champions, contenders, and rising prospects, giving fans a sharp, knowledgeable view of the global boxing scene.
