Filip Hrgovic Stops Moses Itauma in Ninth to Win IBF Heavyweight Title

Filip Hrgovic won the vacant IBF heavyweight title by stopping Moses Itauma in the ninth round at London's O2 Arena on Saturday. BBC Sport reported that Itauma's corner threw in the towel after the 21-year-old Briton slumped against the turnbuckles, with referee Howard Foster waving off the contest as Hrgovic pressed his advantage.

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Itauma had controlled much of the fight and scored a knockdown in the second round. A right hook knocked Hrgovic off balance and forced the Croatian's glove to touch the canvas. Itauma's speed and southpaw left hand troubled Hrgovic early, but BBC Sport noted that the challenger was breathing heavily by the end of the third round.

Hrgovic stayed upright under sustained combinations and gradually found opportunities to answer. Itauma landed powerful shots in the sixth and seventh rounds, then backed Hrgovic to the ropes with another flurry in the eighth. However, his effort began to show as he continued pursuing a stoppage rather than easing his output.

The contest turned decisively in the ninth. Hrgovic landed a heavy right hand that sent Itauma staggering toward the ropes, then kept advancing as the younger fighter struggled to steady himself or defend. Itauma remained on his feet until he sagged into his corner, prompting the towel and the referee's intervention. BBC Sport reported that Itauma received medical attention before leaving the arena on a stretcher.

The victory made Hrgovic Croatia's first heavyweight world champion. It was the 20th professional win of his career and his 15th by stoppage, according to the BBC report. His only professional defeat had come against Daniel Dubois. Itauma, meanwhile, suffered his first loss after winning his opening 14 professional bouts, 12 of them inside the distance.

The vacant title had offered Itauma the chance to become the second-youngest heavyweight world champion in boxing history. Instead, Hrgovic leaves with the IBF belt and Frank Sanchez identified by BBC Sport as the mandatory challenger. Promoter Frank Warren suggested Itauma may have been carrying a leg injury in the final round, but that explanation remains unconfirmed; he also backed the young heavyweight to return.