Hrgovic stuns Itauma, wins IBF heavyweight title

Filip Hrgovic (21-1, 16 KOs) was clearly losing on points to boxing prodigy Moses Itauma (14-1, 12 KOs), but in the ninth round, he rallied back and stopped Itauma, becoming the first Croatian boxer to win the heavyweight title.

Itauma’s coach Ben Davison threw in the towel in Round 9 to bring the end to a pulsating heavyweight battle at O2 Arena in London. Hrgovic claimed the vacant IBF title belt.

Itauma, exhausted, left arena on stretcher following the stoppage.

Hrgovic praised his rival after the fight.

"He's amazing fighter. I want to thank him to accepting this fight, to give me chance to become a new superstar in heavyweight division," Hrgovic said. "I'm the present and he's definitely future."

Itauma, 21, came out fast and was trying to stop Hrgovic early. He dropped Croatian once in second round. But Hrgovic, who is known for his punch resilience, stayed in contest, and absorbed everything that Itauma threw at him.

Itauma went for it in Round 8 and his fatigue showed. By the start of Round 9, he was swaying on his feet and Hrgovic pounced, forcing Itauma up against the ropes, letting his hands go and leaning on him.

Itauma had nothing left to give and was unable to keep his hands up, leading Davison to throw the towel from the corner.

Itauma, via a video message on Sunday, said that he will be back stronger.

"Yesterday it wasn't my night," Itauma, who was born in Slovakia, said on social media on Sunday after a brief stay in hospital, having been stretchered out of the ring.

"We attempted greatness and just fell short to the more experienced man."

Itauma congratulated the 34-year-old Hrgovic on his surprise victory, the older fighter having used all his ring nous to pull through in a thrilling contest.

"Although I never reached my desired outcome I believe I gained experience that I'll take to my future fights," Itauma said.

"God bless, take care and I'll be back."