In a historic night for Croatian boxing, 34‑year‑old Filip Hrgovic claimed the vacant IBF heavyweight world title at the O2 Arena in London. After absorbing a barrage of punches and being knocked down in the second round, Hrgovic rallied and forced Moses Itauma’s corner to throw in the towel in the ninth, ending the 21‑year‑old British boxer’s unbeaten streak.
Fight Overview
The bout began with Itauma taking early control, but Hrgovic weathered the assault and began to assert himself in the middle rounds. Despite a second‑round knockdown, the Croatian displayed a granite chin and relentless pressure, trading blows with Itauma through the eighth and ninth rounds. When the referee stopped the fight, Itauma was unable to rise, and medical personnel attended to him before he was helped out of the ring.
Hrgovic’s Reaction
“I was losing every round. I was out‑boxed. I don’t know where I got the energy,” Hrgovic said after the fight. “Look, chin is important.” He praised Itauma’s talent, calling him “the future” and noting that the young British fighter needs more experience.
Future Plans
Promoter Frank Warren suggested a unification bout with Cuban challenger Frank Sanchez, but Hrgovic expressed a desire to first face WBO champion Daniel Dubois and then WBC title holder Agit Kabayel, both of whom were ringside. “I want unification. Frank Sanchez will wait,” he declared.
Hrgovic improves to 22‑1 on his record, with his only prior loss coming to Dubois in 2024, a fight that ended due to severe cuts above his eyes.
Original reporting: KSAT Sports (San Antonio) — read the source article.
