Croatian heavyweight boxer Filip Hrgovic has defeated Britain’s Moses Itauma by ninth-round stoppage to claim the vacant International Boxing Federation, IBF, world heavyweight title in London.
The highly anticipated bout took place at the O2 Arena on Saturday, with Itauma making a strong start before Hrgovic gradually turned the contest in his favour.
Itauma controlled much of the early action and appeared comfortable against the Croatian, but Hrgovic’s pressure eventually began to take its toll.
The fight was stopped in the ninth round, with Itauma subsequently requiring medical attention. He was reportedly carried from the arena on a stretcher and taken to hospital for further assessment.
The IBF heavyweight championship became vacant after Ukrainian champion Oleksandr Usyk relinquished the belt.
Hrgovic, who improved his record with the victory, praised his opponent after the fight and predicted a bright future for the British youngster.
“I’m the present, and he is definitely the future. He is an amazing fighter, but he needed more experience.”
The victory represents a major achievement for Hrgovic, whose only previous professional defeat came against British heavyweight Daniel Dubois two years ago.
For Itauma, the defeat ends his unbeaten professional record, but his performance against the experienced Hrgovic is expected to reinforce his status as one of Britain’s most promising heavyweight prospects.
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