Moses Itauma’s rapid rise through the heavyweight ranks suffered a major setback on Saturday night as Filip Hrgovic stopped the highly rated British prospect in the ninth round to claim the vacant IBF heavyweight title.
Itauma, 21, had looked in control for significant portions of the contest at London’s O2 Arena. The younger fighter’s speed, movement and sharp left hand repeatedly troubled Hrgovic, reinforcing the belief that he possesses the ability to become one of boxing’s future heavyweight stars.
But Hrgovic’s experience ultimately proved decisive. Although Itauma appeared to be winning rounds early in the fight, the Croatian refused to panic or abandon his strategy. He absorbed the punishment, maintained his composure and waited for the younger fighter to begin showing signs of fatigue.
As the contest progressed, Itauma’s energy levels dropped noticeably. His breathing became increasingly laboured and the movement that had made him so effective in the opening rounds began to disappear.
Hrgovic took advantage of the change, applying increasing pressure and forcing Itauma into a difficult ninth round.
With the British fighter struggling to respond, his corner eventually threw in the towel, prompting the referee to stop the bout and hand Hrgovic the IBF title.
The defeat ended Itauma’s unbeaten professional record after 14 victories from his first 14 fights and served as a reminder of the demands of competing at the highest level of heavyweight boxing.
Itauma’s journey has attracted considerable attention since his amateur days. He was still a schoolboy when he reportedly attended boxing gyms in his school uniform and impressed against much more experienced fighters.
But against Hrgovic, he encountered an opponent with the durability, patience and experience required to survive difficult moments and exploit weaknesses when they emerged.
The aftermath was particularly concerning, with Itauma leaving the arena on a stretcher before being taken to hospital for further assessment.
