Filip Hrgovic pulled off a big surprise at the O2 Arena in London, stopping the promising British-Nigerian boxer Moses Itauma in the ninth round to win the vacant IBF heavyweight world title.
Itauma was seen as the favorite, with many thinking the unbeaten 21-year-old would keep his winning streak going and become the second-youngest heavyweight champion in boxing history.
But Hrgovic had different plans.
The Croatian fighter took some early hits from Itauma but gradually turned the fight around. Itauma seemed to tire as the rounds went on, struggling to keep his energy up.
In the ninth round, Hrgovic saw his chance and increased the pressure as Itauma looked more worn out.
The referee stopped the fight at 2:27 of the ninth round, giving Hrgovic a TKO win and the vacant IBF heavyweight championship.
This victory is the biggest of Hrgovic’s career and marks a historic moment for Croatia, as he becomes the first Croatian boxer to win a heavyweight world title.
For Itauma, this loss ends an impressive unbeaten streak and is a serious blow to his dream of being one of the youngest heavyweight champions in boxing.
Before this fight, the British-Nigerian had a flawless record of 14-0, with 12 knockouts. He had gained a lot of attention after stopping former world title challenger Dillian Whyte in the first round.
Yet, Hrgovic's experience and determination made all the difference in the end.
What many thought would be Itauma’s victory turned out to be Hrgovic’s best performance, taking advantage of the younger fighter’s fatigue and forcing the referee’s decision to clinch the IBF heavyweight title.
For Hrgovic, this win is not just a championship but a significant moment for Croatian boxing.
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