Filip Hrgović became Croatia’s first world heavyweight champion after stopping Moses Itauma in the ninth round at London’s O2 Arena to claim the vacant IBF title.
The result ended Itauma’s unbeaten record and delivered the most significant victory of Hrgović’s career.
Itauma, just 21 and widely regarded as one of Britain’s brightest heavyweight boxing prospects, controlled the early stages and was judged by most observers to have won the first six rounds. His speed, accuracy and composure allowed him to dictate the tempo, and he repeatedly found success with clean, sharp punches that kept Hrgović on the back foot.
The most dramatic moment of the early rounds came in the second, when Itauma scored a knockdown. A lead hook landed cleanly, forcing Hrgović to drop a glove to the canvas. It was a flash knockdown rather than a heavy fall, but it underlined Itauma’s early dominance and raised the possibility of a breakthrough victory.
Itauma’s early control was consistent with his reputation. He had built his unbeaten record through fast hands, disciplined shot selection and a maturity unusual for his age.
Against Hrgović, he showcased those strengths again, landing straight lefts, uppercuts and hooks with speed and confidence. His jab was effective, and his movement allowed him to stay clear of Hrgović’s heavier counters. For the first half of the fight, Itauma appeared to be executing his game plan cleanly.
Hrgović relies on durability
Despite the early setbacks, Hrgović remained upright and continued pressing forward. His durability has long been one of his defining traits, and it proved crucial again. He absorbed significant punishment in the opening rounds but refused to be discouraged.
Hrgović later said he did not know where he found the energy to continue, but he persisted, believing that Itauma’s pace would eventually drop.
One of the key contextual factors was Itauma’s lack of experience in long fights. Before facing Hrgović, he had never fought past six rounds. This bout marked the first time he entered the seventh, and the physical demands of a world‑title contest began to show.
Hrgović said he sensed Itauma was gassing out from the opening round, and as the fight progressed, Itauma’s output began to slow. His punches lost some of their snap, and his movement became less fluid.
By the eighth round, both fighters were trading blows, but the momentum had shifted. Itauma’s early dominance had given way to visible fatigue, while Hrgović’s pressure and resilience were becoming more influential. The Croatian’s ability to stay in the fight long enough for Itauma to tire proved decisive.
Ninth round finish
The decisive moment arrived in the ninth round. Hrgović rose from his stool early, walked to the centre ring and immediately applied pressure. Itauma struggled to meet the bell and appeared exhausted. As Hrgović advanced, Itauma became unable to defend himself effectively.
The referee stepped in just before Itauma’s corner threw in the towel, ending the contest and confirming Hrgović as the new IBF heavyweight champion.
The stoppage was widely reported as a combination of referee intervention and corner surrender, with Itauma overwhelmed and unable to respond. The ninth round finish capped a dramatic shift in momentum: Itauma’s early control had given way to Hrgović’s late surge, driven by experience, conditioning and toughness.
After the fight, Itauma could not stand and was stretchered out of the arena due to a leg injury. Promoter Frank Warren confirmed he was taken to hospital for assessment but was released the same night. The injury was not believed to be serious, but it added to the physical toll of the contest.
What comes next?
Warren indicated that Hrgović is contractually set to face Cuban contender Frank Sánchez next. However, Hrgović publicly expressed interest in unification bouts with WBO champions Daniel Dubois and Agit Kabayel, both of whom were present at the O2. The heavyweight division remains fluid, and Hrgović’s victory positions him for major opportunities.
For Itauma, the defeat marks a significant moment but not a terminal one. At 21, he has time to rebuild and learn from the experience.
His early performance demonstrated his talent, while the later rounds highlighted areas for development, particularly in conditioning and pacing. His potential remains clear, and the loss may ultimately serve as a valuable lesson in his progression.
Featured image via the Independent
By Faz Ali
