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Filip Hrgovic wins IBF heavyweight title with ninth-round stoppage of Moses Itauma
Filip Hrgovic claimed the vacant IBF heavyweight world title by defeating Moses Itauma via ninth-round technical knockout at the O2 Arena in London. Despite Itauma dominating the early rounds and even scoring a knockdown in the second, the 34-year-old Hrgovic utilized his experience and durability to weather the initial storm.
As the fight progressed, the 21-year-old Itauma suffered from severe exhaustion, having never previously fought beyond six rounds. Hrgovic capitalized on this drop in intensity, overwhelming the fatigued Briton to force a stoppage. Following the bout, Itauma was taken to the hospital on a stretcher due to exhaustion and a leg injury, though he was later released.
Promoter Frank Warren noted that Itauma’s lack of pacing and excessive focus on knockout power contributed to his collapse. While Itauma has expressed a desire for a rematch, Hrgovic has indicated interest in a unification bout with WBC champion Agit Kabayel.
Entities
Abel Sanchez · Croatia · Filip Hrgovic · Frank Warren · Howard Foster · IBF · Moses Itauma · O2 Arena · Vladimir Klitschko
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The match was expected to be a mental battle between the two fighters. croring.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Hrgović won the fight via ninth-round knockout.
- [○ 1 SOURCE] American journalist Dan Rafael expressed dissatisfaction with the appointment of Howard Foster as referee. www.tportal.hr
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The victory took place at the O2 Arena in London.
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Filip Hrgović became the first Croatian professional world heavyweight champion.