Moses Itauma Released From Hospital After Hrgovic Stoppage

Moses Itauma has been released from hospital after undergoing precautionary medical checks following his world-title defeat by Filip Hrgovic in London. BBC Sport reported that the 21-year-old British heavyweight left the O2 Arena on a stretcher after his corner stopped Saturday's contest in the ninth round, but he was discharged overnight.

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The vacant IBF heavyweight title was at stake as Itauma attempted to become the second-youngest champion in the division's history. He entered as the favourite after winning each of his first 14 professional fights and initially caused the more experienced Hrgovic problems with his pace. The 34-year-old Croatian had previously lost only once as a professional, against Daniel Dubois in 2024.

According to the BBC's account, Itauma appeared to expend too much energy as the bout progressed. By the ninth round he was struggling to remain upright while Hrgovic increased the pressure, prompting Itauma's team to throw in the towel. The stoppage ended Itauma's unbeaten record and secured the vacant championship for Hrgovic.

In a social-media statement after the fight, Itauma acknowledged that the result had not matched his ambitions and congratulated Hrgovic. He said the attempt to achieve something exceptional had fallen short against the more experienced boxer, while adding that the experience would inform his future fights. He closed his message by promising that he would return.

Queensberry Promotions chief Frank Warren backed Itauma to recover from the setback but said tactical changes would be required. Warren maintained that Itauma remains one of the most talented fighters with whom he has worked, while identifying ring craft and an excessive focus on knockouts as areas to address. He also suggested that losing Itauma's aura of invincibility could make future opponents more willing to accept fights.

The defeat was the first of Itauma's professional career and came in his first attempt to win a senior world title. The immediate medical concern eased with his release after the overnight checks, while his own statement and Warren's comments indicated that his team intends to continue developing him following the loss.