HRGOVIC STAGES STUNNING COMEBACK TO DENY ITAUMA HEAVYWEIGHT CROWN

Filip Hrgovic produced a remarkable comeback at London’s O2 Arena, stopping British-Nigerian heavyweight prospect Moses Itauma in the ninth round to claim the vacant IBF world heavyweight title.

Itauma entered the highly anticipated contest as one of boxing’s brightest young prospects and had been widely tipped to become the second-youngest heavyweight world champion in history after Mike Tyson. However, his bid for the world title ended dramatically when his corner threw in the towel in the ninth round.

The 21-year-old started the fight strongly and appeared to be in control during the early rounds. His speed, movement and powerful combinations caused Hrgovic significant problems, with the Croatian even being dropped in the second round.

Despite trailing for much of the contest, Hrgovic refused to fold and continued absorbing Itauma’s attacks while looking for opportunities to turn the fight around.

The momentum began to change in the later rounds as Itauma's relentless pace appeared to take a toll on him. Hrgovic capitalised on the Briton's growing fatigue and began landing heavier punches.

By the ninth round, the Croatian had taken complete control. He landed a series of powerful shots that left Itauma struggling to defend himself before the referee stopped the contest after his corner threw in the towel.

The defeat was the first of Itauma's professional career. The British-Nigerian had entered the fight with an impressive 14-0 record, including 12 victories by knockout, and was regarded as one of the fastest-rising heavyweights in the sport.

Hrgovic, meanwhile, improved his professional record and secured the biggest achievement of his career by becoming Croatia's first world heavyweight champion.

The victory was particularly impressive because Hrgovic had spent much of the fight under pressure and was behind on the scorecards before producing the dramatic turnaround.

Itauma was carried from the ring on a stretcher after the stoppage and was subsequently taken to hospital as a precautionary measure. Reports indicated that he was conscious following the bout.

Hrgovic praised Itauma's ability after the fight but suggested that the younger fighter's lack of experience may have played a role in the outcome.

The Croatian's victory has now placed him firmly among the leading names in the heavyweight division, with attention expected to turn to his next title defence.

Hrgovic has expressed interest in a unification fight with WBC champion Agit Kabayel, although promoter Frank Warren indicated that the new champion could first be required to face Frank Sanchez.

For Itauma, the loss represents a major setback but not necessarily the end of his world-title ambitions. At just 21, the British-Nigerian remains one of the division's most promising young fighters and will now have to rebuild his career after suffering his first professional defeat.

The dramatic encounter ultimately produced one of the biggest upsets of the year in heavyweight boxing, with Hrgovic overturning Itauma's early dominance to leave London as the new IBF world heavyweight champion.