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Filip Hrgovic defeats Moses Itauma in London to become heavyweight boxing champion
NBC News • • general
Key Points:
- Filip Hrgovic won the vacant IBF heavyweight world title by stopping Moses Itauma in the ninth round, handing the 21-year-old British boxer his first professional loss.
- Itauma, who had dominated early rounds, tired visibly and was overwhelmed in the later rounds, leading his corner to throw in the towel; Hrgovic became the first Croatian heavyweight champion.
- Despite being knocked down in the second round and losing most rounds, Hrgovic's resilience and strong chin helped him prevail in a tough fight.
- Promoter Frank Warren mentioned a potential next fight with Frank Sanchez, but Hrgovic expressed interest in unifying titles by facing WBO champion Daniel Dubois and WBC titleholder Agit Kabayel.
- Hrgovic’s only previous loss was to Dubois in 2024 due to a doctor’s stoppage from cuts, adding intrigue to a potential rematch.
