Moses Itauma Released From Hospital After Hrgovic Title Defeat

Moses Itauma was released from hospital overnight after precautionary medical checks following his heavyweight title defeat by Filip Hrgovic in London, according to BBC Sport. The 21-year-old Briton left the O2 Arena on a stretcher after his corner stopped Saturday's fight in the ninth round.

Watch the highlights: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RSZ6P406Pgw

The bout was contested for the vacant IBF heavyweight title. Itauma entered as the favorite after winning each of his first 14 professional fights, but Hrgovic's experience and durability proved decisive. The 34-year-old Croatian had lost only once as a professional before the contest, against Daniel Dubois in 2024.

Itauma started at a pace Hrgovic initially struggled to match. As the fight progressed, however, the younger boxer appeared to tire after expending significant energy. Hrgovic increased the pressure in the ninth round, with Itauma barely able to stay upright before his team threw in the towel.

In a social-media statement after the defeat, Itauma congratulated Hrgovic and said the result had not matched the outcome he wanted. He described the contest as an attempt at greatness that fell short against a more experienced opponent, while adding that the experience would inform his future fights. He ended his message by saying he would be back.

The loss ended Itauma's unbeaten professional record and stopped his bid to become the second-youngest heavyweight world champion. It also presented his team with the first rebuilding phase of a career that had previously advanced through a succession of victories. BBC Sport reported that Itauma had been expected to win despite the significant difference in experience between the fighters.

Queensberry Promotions head Frank Warren said the defeat showed that Itauma needs to adjust his tactics and develop more ring craft. Warren argued that the young heavyweight must move away from trying to knock out every opponent, but continued to describe him as an exceptional talent and pledged his backing. For Hrgovic, the stoppage secured the vacant championship after he absorbed Itauma's early work and took control later in the fight.