Filip Hrgovic became the first Croatian world heavyweight boxing champion on Saturday night, defeating Britain’s Moses Itauma via a ninth-round stoppage in London to win the vacant International Boxing Federation (IBF) title.

The championship bout, held at the O2 Arena, saw the 34-year-old Hrgovic overcome a tough challenge from the younger, undefeated Itauma, who had been bidding to become the second-youngest heavyweight world champion in history.

Itauma, 21, had shown early promise and dominated the initial stages of the fight, even earning a standing eight count for Hrgovic in the second round. However, as the fight progressed, Hrgovic's experience and resilience began to tell. Despite being visibly tired and suffering cuts above his eyes, Hrgovic endured.

In the ninth round, with Itauma appearing dazed and on the verge of collapse, referee Howard Foster stopped the fight, awarding the title to Hrgovic. Itauma's trainer, Ben Davison, had also thrown in the towel. Following the stoppage, Itauma had to be carried from the ring on a stretcher and was taken to the hospital.

"I don't know from where I got energy in that [ninth] round," Hrgovic stated after the fight, acknowledging his own physical exhaustion. He attributed his strength to "Holy Spirit" and a "great coach Abel Sanchez," with whom he reported having his "best camp of my life."

Hrgovic showed respect for his opponent, calling Itauma "definitely [the] future" and "the best I've been in a ring with," while noting the Briton "needed more experience." Hrgovic observed that he "felt the pace of the fight" and knew Itauma was "gassing out."

Looking ahead, Hrgovic expressed a desire for unification bouts, stating his intention to fight WBO champion Daniel Dubois and then WBC title holder Agit Kabayel, both of whom were present at the O2 Arena. This contradicts promoter Frank Warren’s suggestion that Hrgovic would next face Frank Sanchez. Hrgovic's sole professional loss came against Dubois in 2024, a fight he lost due to cuts.

Itauma's performance marked his first time extending a professional bout beyond the sixth round, highlighting the significant step up in competition against the seasoned Olympian Hrgovic.