Moses Itauma Vows Return After Filip Hrgovic Ends Unbeaten Run

Moses Itauma has promised to return after Filip Hrgovic stopped the previously unbeaten British heavyweight in the ninth round of their vacant IBF world-title fight at London's O2 Arena. BBC Sport reported that Itauma's corner threw in the towel as the 21-year-old struggled to stay upright under sustained pressure from the Croatian.

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Itauma entered the contest with 14 victories from 14 professional fights and the chance to become the second-youngest heavyweight world champion. He made a forceful start and scored a knockdown in the second round, when a right hook caused Hrgovic's glove to touch the canvas. The southpaw continued to land combinations and built an advantage during the early stages.

The pace began to take a toll, however. BBC Sport reported that Itauma was breathing heavily by the end of the third round, having completed only 26 professional rounds before his first world-title contest. Hrgovic absorbed further attacks, including heavy punches in the sixth and seventh rounds, while Itauma kept seeking a stoppage rather than settling into a more measured approach.

Itauma drove Hrgovic to the ropes during another attack in the eighth, but he was visibly tiring between exchanges. Hrgovic increased the pressure in the ninth and landed a right hand that sent Itauma staggering backward. Itauma remained on his feet, but his legs were unsteady and he was no longer able to defend himself effectively when referee Howard Foster ended the bout as the towel arrived. Itauma received medical attention before leaving the arena on a stretcher.

The win made the 34-year-old Hrgovic Croatia's first heavyweight world champion. Hrgovic acknowledged that Itauma had outboxed him but said he had expected the younger fighter's fast start to drain his energy. He also described Itauma as the best opponent he had shared a ring with and said the Briton needed more experience. Frank Sanchez is the IBF mandatory challenger.

In a social-media statement reported by the BBC on Sunday, Itauma congratulated Hrgovic and said the attempt at greatness had fallen short against the more experienced man. He added that the contest had given him experience for future fights and pledged to return. Promoter Frank Warren said Itauma had given everything and backed him to rebuild after the first defeat of his career.