Itauma Loses To Hrgovic In IBF Heavyweight Title Fight

Moses Itauma’s unbeaten professional record came to an end after Filip Hrgovic stopped the British heavyweight in the ninth round of their IBF world title fight in London.

The 21-year-old Itauma entered the contest as a strong favourite and started impressively at the O2 Arena, using his speed and combinations to trouble the experienced Croatian.

Itauma appeared to take control early and even scored a knockdown in the second round. Hrgovic, however, absorbed the punishment and continued moving forward despite Itauma’s sustained attacks.

The fight represented unfamiliar territory for Itauma, who had never previously gone beyond the sixth round in his professional career. As the contest progressed, the Croatian’s durability and pressure began to take their toll.

Itauma continued to land heavy shots, but his pace gradually slowed. By the eighth round, Hrgovic appeared to recognise that his opponent was tiring and increased the pressure.

Itauma mounted another attack in the eighth, throwing a series of fast combinations and body shots that appeared to hurt Hrgovic. The Croatian survived the assault and responded with powerful punches of his own.

The ninth round proved decisive. Hrgovic moved forward aggressively as Itauma struggled to maintain his earlier pace. The British fighter was eventually trapped against the ropes and began taking heavy punishment.

Itauma’s corner threw in the towel, prompting the referee to stop the contest and hand Hrgovic a ninth-round technical knockout victory.

The result made Hrgovic the first Croatian to win a world heavyweight championship and delivered the biggest victory of his career.

For Itauma, the defeat was the first of his professional career after he entered the fight with a 14-0 record, including 12 knockout victories. His rapid rise had positioned him as one of boxing’s brightest young heavyweight prospects.

Following the stoppage, Itauma received medical attention and was taken from the arena for further checks.

Despite the setback, Hrgovic praised his opponent after the fight, describing Itauma as an exceptional fighter with a promising future.

The defeat will now provide Itauma with his first major test outside the ring as he looks to rebuild his career following a brutal but valuable championship experience.