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British heavyweight Moses Itauma has been spotted training at Floyd Mayweather Jnr's gym in Las Vegas as he prepares to return to the ring following the first defeat of his professional career.

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The 21-year-old suffered his first loss in August when he attempted to become the youngest heavyweight champion since Mike Tyson, facing Filip Hrgovic for the vacant IBF title.

Itauma appeared on course for another early stoppage when he dropped the Croatian in the second round and continued to land freely. Having never previously been beyond six rounds as a professional, however, Itauma began to tire as the contest progressed. Hrgovic weathered the early storm and eventually stopped the exhausted youngster on his feet in the ninth.

The defeat prompted criticism of Itauma and, in particular, his trainer Ben Davison, with some questioning why the heavyweight had been allowed to expend so much energy in the early rounds. Davison has also faced scrutiny following world title defeats involving fellow heavyweights Anthony Joshua and Fabio Wardley.

Speaking to the media for the first time since the loss last week, Itauma defended his relationship with Davison and the rest of his training team.

“I've had conversations with Ben [Davison],” Itauma told The Stomping Ground. “Me, Ben Davison, Lee Wylie and Barry Smith's relationship is good. We've got a good, healthy relationship. So if somebody else wants to talk, I don't know what they're trying to get at. And it's mad because it's only after a loss.”

Itauma has since travelled to the United States and appeared in a video posted by American prospect Zaquin Moses, hitting the heavy bag alongside him at the Mayweather Boxing Club in Las Vegas, with Shakur Stevenson also seen training in the background.