Hrgovic Stops Itauma in Ninth to Win Vacant IBF Heavyweight Title

Filip Hrgovic stopped Moses Itauma in the ninth round at London's O2 Arena to win the vacant IBF heavyweight title, overturning a fight that the younger boxer had controlled for long stretches. BBC Sport reported that Itauma's corner threw in the towel after the British heavyweight became unsteady and slumped in his corner under sustained pressure.

Watch the highlights:

Itauma, 21, started quickly from his southpaw stance and scored a knockdown early in the second round when a right hook put Hrgovic off balance and caused his glove to touch the canvas. His speed and combinations troubled the Croatian, who nevertheless stayed in the contest and absorbed Itauma's repeated attempts to force an early finish.

The physical demands of that approach became increasingly visible. Itauma had completed only 26 professional rounds before receiving his first world-title opportunity, and BBC Sport reported that he was breathing heavily by the end of the third. He continued to land combinations and backed Hrgovic onto the ropes during an eighth-round attack, but he was also grimacing between exchanges and appeared increasingly fatigued.

Hrgovic changed the direction of the contest in the ninth. A heavy right hand drove Itauma backward toward the ropes, and although the Briton remained upright, he struggled to regain his balance. Hrgovic kept advancing until Itauma reached his corner, where his team intervened to end the fight.

The defeat ended Itauma's unbeaten professional start after 14 victories and denied him the chance to become the second-youngest heavyweight world champion. Hrgovic entered with only one professional loss, against Daniel Dubois, and drew on the durability and patience that had kept him in contention while Itauma was building an apparent lead.

BBC Sport also reported that Itauma received medical attention in the ring area before leaving the arena on a stretcher. No further diagnosis or update on his condition was included in the initial report. Hrgovic credited Itauma's ability after the bout while saying the younger fighter needed more experience, and said he had expected his own opportunity to come as Itauma tired.