Filip Hrgovic produced one of the shocks of the boxing year, stopping Moses Itauma in the ninth round at The O2 to win the vacant IBF heavyweight title and hand the British star his first career defeat.
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Key facts
- Filip Hrgovic stopped Moses Itauma in the ninth round at The O2.
- The fight was for the vacant IBF heavyweight title.
- Hrgovic became Croatia's first world heavyweight champion.
- Itauma lost his unbeaten record in the defeat.
Filip Hrgovic produced one of the shocks of the boxing year, stopping Moses Itauma in the ninth round at The O2 to win the vacant IBF heavyweight title, according to Sky Sports.
The victory marked a dramatic turnaround for the Croatian, who mounted what Sky Sports described as an epic comeback against an exhausted Itauma to close out the contest in the ninth.
With the win, Hrgovic became Croatia’s first world heavyweight champion, a landmark achievement for the fighter and his country.
For Itauma, the defeat was a bitter blow. The British heavyweight star entered the bout unbeaten but saw that record ended by Hrgovic’s late surge at The O2.
The result reshapes the heavyweight picture, with Hrgovic now holding the IBF belt after overcoming a fatigued opponent in the closing rounds.
Why it matters
The result is a major upset in the heavyweight division, ending the perfect record of one of Britain's brightest boxing prospects. It also marks a historic first, with Hrgovic becoming Croatia's first world heavyweight champion.
Frequently asked questions
Who won the fight between Hrgovic and Itauma?
Filip Hrgovic won, stopping Moses Itauma in the ninth round at The O2 to claim the vacant IBF heavyweight title, according to Sky Sports.
What title was on the line?
The fight was for the vacant IBF heavyweight title.
Why is the win historic for Hrgovic?
The victory made Hrgovic Croatia's first world heavyweight champion, according to Sky Sports.
Timeline
- Hrgovic stuns Itauma with epic comeback as Brit loses unbeaten record
Sky Sports News: Filip Hrgovic produced one of the shocks of the boxing year, stopping an exhausted Moses Itauma in the ninth round at The O2 to win the vacant IBF heavyweight title and become Croatia's first world heavyweight champion.