Hrgovic stuns Itauma to win IBF heavyweight title

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  James ReganAug 29, 2026, 07:50 AM ET

LONDON -- Filip Hrgovic produced a courageous performance to stop Moses Itauma in Round 9 of their title contest to become Croatia's first ever heavyweight world champion on Saturday.

With his fighter exhausted and backed up against the ropes, Itauma's trainer Ben Davison threw in the towel in Round 9 to bring an end to a pulsating heavyweight battle at the O2 Arena. Hrgovic claimed the vacant IBF belt.

Home favourite Itauma, 21, came out fast, using his speed and power to get on top of Hrgovic early, forcing him to the canvas, albeit briefly, in Round 2.

However, Hrgovic, who is known for his punch resilience, stayed in the contest, absorbing everything his younger opponent threw at him from then on.

By Round 4, both fighters slowed and looked tired. Ituama, the heavy pre-fight favourite, kept charging forward and landing shots but could not hurt Hrgovic.

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 he 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