Moses Itauma Was Closing In on History — Then Filip Hrgovic Completely Flipped the Fight

Moses Itauma looked like he might be minutes away from becoming one of the youngest heavyweight champions in boxing history. Instead, Filip Hrgovic survived everything the 21-year-old threw at him and produced a stunning comeback Saturday night, stopping Itauma in the ninth round at London’s O2 Arena to capture the vacant IBF heavyweight championship. Itauma controlled much of the early action with his speed and combinations, repeatedly landing hard shots as Hrgovic somehow stayed upright.

Then the fight changed. Itauma’s aggressive pace began taking a serious toll, and Hrgovic recognized it. As the young heavyweight slowed, the 34-year-old Croatian increased the pressure. In the ninth, Hrgovic drove an exhausted Itauma onto the ropes and unloaded until the referee stopped the contest as Itauma’s corner threw in the towel. Hrgovic became Croatia’s first heavyweight world champion, while Itauma suffered the first defeat of his professional career.

The loss will hurt, especially after Itauma appeared so close to another breakthrough. But this shouldn’t erase what made him one of boxing’s most exciting young heavyweights. Saturday showed the difference between talent and championship experience. Itauma had the speed and power. Hrgovic had the durability, conditioning and patience to survive the storm—and when his opportunity arrived, he took everything.