Filip Hrgovic secured the IBF world heavyweight title after a ninth-round stoppage of Moses Itauma, who had dominated the early stages of the fight.

Filip Hrgovic became the first world heavyweight champion from Croatia after defeating Britain's Moses Itauma in their IBF title bout. Although the 21-year-old Itauma controlled the fight through the early rounds and dropped Hrgovic in the second, his stamina faded in the later stages. The referee stopped the contest in the ninth round as Hrgovic mounted a comeback, with Itauma’s trainer also throwing in the towel.

A fight of two halves

Itauma utilized his speed and combinations to dominate the opening rounds, landing a short right hook that sent Hrgovic to the canvas in the second. Despite a cut above his right eye and absorbing heavy shots, the 34-year-old Hrgovic maintained his composure and continued to press forward. By the seventh round, Itauma entered uncharted territory, having never previously boxed more than six rounds in his career. As the fight progressed into the eighth and ninth rounds, Itauma showed signs of significant fatigue. Hrgovic capitalized on his opponent's exhaustion, forcing the stoppage in the ninth. Following the fight, Itauma was removed from the ring on a stretcher, reportedly due to a knee injury.

Post-fight reactions

Hrgovic credited his victory to his faith, stating he felt he was being outboxed until he found a sudden surge of energy in the final round. He praised Itauma as an "amazing fighter" and described him as the future of the heavyweight division. This victory marks a significant milestone for Hrgovic, who has suffered only one loss in his nine-year professional career.