Filip Hrgovic has become Croatia's first heavyweight world champion after stopping Moses Itauma in the ninth round to claim the vacant IBF title at London's O2 Arena. Itauma, who had a perfect record of 14 wins, started strongly and controlled much of the early contest.
However, the 21-year-old Briton, who was fighting beyond the sixth round for the first time in his professional career, reportedly ran out of steam. Hrgovic, aged 34, was outpunched in every round until the decisive ninth, when he seized his moment.
Despite the defeat, figures such as four-weight world champion Shakur Stevenson and former cruiserweight world champion Tony Bellew have expressed belief that Itauma possesses the talent to become a world champion. Stevenson noted Itauma's "unbelievable talent and skills," while Bellew stated, "Moses Itauma will be world champion! He will learn so much from tonight."
Questions about Itauma's conditioning arose, as he had previously told BBC Sport he had never sparred 12 rounds. His trainer, Ben Davison, reportedly considered throwing in the towel early in the ninth round before referee Howard Foster stepped in to end the contest.