Filip Hrgovic stopped Moses Itauma in the ninth round at The O2 Arena to claim the vacant IBF heavyweight title and end the unbeaten run of one of boxing’s most highly rated young prospects.
The victory made Hrgović the first Croatian to win a world heavyweight title, while Itauma suffered the first defeat of his professional career after dominating the opening stages.
Itauma dominates early rounds
The 21-year-old Briton started brilliantly, using his speed, accuracy and combinations to control the fight as Hrgović struggled to match his youthful energy.
Itauma appeared to be cruising towards victory after winning the opening six rounds. His best moment came in the fifth when a left uppercut landed flush on Hrgović’s chin, but the Croatian absorbed the shot and continued to press forward.
