Filip Hrgovic defeats Moses Itauma by stoppage in the ninth round at The O2 to win the vacant IBF heavyweight title. The fight features a major momentum shift, with Itauma, a Briton, losing as his condition deteriorates late on and Hrgovic rallies to force the stoppage.
Multiple outlets describe Itauma as having begun strongly, using speed and power to control much of the early action, including flooring Hrgovic during the bout. However, as the contest progresses, Itauma’s stamina dips and he starts to show fatigue and instability. Hrgovic then presses with sustained pressure, hurting Itauma again and again before the referee steps in to end the fight, with Itauma’s corner also throwing in a towel.
Coverage also highlights the wider significance of the result: Itauma’s bid to become one of the youngest world heavyweight champions is thwarted, and Hrgovic is reported as becoming Croatia’s first world heavyweight champion. All accounts emphasize the comeback nature of the finish and the shock value of the outcome despite Itauma’s earlier dominance.
