Hrgović Stops Itauma to Win IBF Title
Moses Itauma dominates the early rounds, but Filip Hrgović survives the assault and turns the fight around in round nine to become IBF heavyweight champion.
Filip Hrgović has halted Moses Itauma’s rapid rise—for now. The Croatian stopped Itauma in the ninth round at London’s O2 Arena to claim the vacant IBF heavyweight title.
Itauma dominates, Hrgović stays standing
For much of the fight, Itauma appeared to be in control. The 21-year-old used his superior hand speed, hurt Hrgović in the opening round and dropped him in the second. His combinations continued to find their target as Hrgović struggled to match the younger boxer’s pace.
But Hrgović refused to fold. The 34-year-old absorbed Itauma’s best attacks and took him beyond six rounds for the first time as a professional. That brought the central question from the CS.C preview into focus: could Itauma manage his energy when an opponent survived the early pressure?
Round nine decides it
The fight turned in the eighth. Itauma committed heavily to another attack but could not break Hrgović’s resistance. By the start of round nine, the British prospect was visibly exhausted and struggling to defend himself. Hrgović forced him against the ropes and continued punching until the referee intervened, almost simultaneously with Itauma’s corner throwing in the towel.
Experience turns the title fight
Hrgović becomes Croatia’s first heavyweight world champion. Itauma leaves with the first defeat of his professional career, but also with a clearer picture of what his development still requires. His speed and accuracy remained evident against a world-class opponent. Hrgović showed that durability, pacing and experience can still overturn a fight after six difficult rounds.