Filip Hrgović produced an astonishing comeback to stun the highly rated Moses Itauma and win the vacant IBF heavyweight championship at the O2 Arena in London, according to the Guardian’s live coverage of the event on 29 August 2026.

Going into the contest, Itauma was widely expected to prevail. The Guardian’s report noted that the 21-year-old, competing in only his 15th professional fight, had been heavily promoted across London in the build-up, with his face ‘plastered across London’s buses’ in the weeks before the bout. The outlet described him as a ‘callow prodigy’ at the start of his ascent to elite-level boxing, while also acknowledging the risk that he could be exposed against the ‘tough and ambitious’ Hrgović.

The atmosphere at the arena was building ahead of the main event. The Guardian reported that the O2 looked close to full, a positive surprise given earlier speculation that ticket sales had been sluggish. Seats were still being sold to walk-up spectators shortly before seven in the evening.

The fight itself did not follow the expected script. Hrgović survived a knockdown before rallying to defeat Itauma, with the Guardian describing the result as a ‘wild comeback’ that saw the Croatian claim the IBF title.

On the undercard, Sam Noakes scored what the Guardian called the biggest win of his career, outclassing former world champion Denys Berinchyk over 10 rounds to earn a unanimous decision. The 29-year-old from Kent controlled the fight throughout, winning by scores of 100-90, 99-91 and 98-92.

The upset marks a significant setback for Itauma, who had been tipped as a potential breakthrough talent in the heavyweight division, and a major career high for the experienced Hrgović.