Filip Hrgovic lauded Moses Itauma after delivering a surprising ninth‑round stoppage, but he also observed that the young Brit fought "like an amateur" throughout the bout. The 34‑year‑old Croatian, who made history on Saturday night at The O2 by capturing the vacant IBF heavyweight crown and becoming Croatia’s inaugural world heavyweight champion, praised his opponent’s skill while noting a lack of seasoned ringcraft. Itauma, only 21 and unbeaten heading into the contest, began the fight in commanding fashion. For the first six rounds he landed crisp, accurate punches that kept Hrgovic on the defensive and seemed to dictate the pace.
Yet as the rounds wore on, the younger fighter’s stamina waned. He struggled to breach Hrgovic’s famously resilient chin, and the ninth round proved decisive when the Croatian unleashed a flurry that forced the Brit’s corner to throw in the towel. In the post‑fight interview Hrgovic called Itauma "the most talented heavyweight in the division," but he also stressed that the youngster’s style reminded him of an amateur’s approach. "Let me be honest, he’s amazing.
I didn’t realise it would be this tough; I thought I could handle him more easily," Hrgovic said. He went on to explain, "I was losing all the rounds.
The kid is amazing, he’s so quick; you don’t see his punches coming. He doesn’t hit hard, but his speed is extraordinary.
From the first round I could tell he was gasping for breath, still boxing like an amateur." He added, "He’s inexperienced, I saw him tiring and I knew my only chance was to stay in the fight, wear him down, keep pressing and maybe stop him later. That’s exactly what I did.
I came to London, his hometown, against the division’s brightest prospect and I defied the odds. I want to be recognised as the world’s best heavyweight – this is my moment. I am the present; he is the future.
I’m aiming for unification against the likes of Dubois or Agit Kabayel. That’s my goal." Itauma entered the match with a reputation as one of boxing’s most promising young talents, having amassed several early‑career knockouts. However, the fight exposed a need for better pacing when confronting durable opponents who can survive the early onslaught. After the stoppage, the 21‑year‑old was carried out on a stretcher as a precaution and taken to hospital.
Queensberry Promotions later issued a statement confirming that he had been released and was back home with his family, noting, "Moses is well. He left the hospital last night and is back at home with his family." Promoter Frank Warren emphasized the priority of the boxer’s health, saying, "We always make sure the fighter’s well‑being comes first. He’s in the best place now, and we’ll keep everyone updated as we receive reports.
He also injured his leg and was clearly exhausted. It was a high‑tempo, fast fight for both men – edge‑of‑your‑seat action from start to finish." Itauma had hoped to become Britain’s youngest heavyweight world champion, but Warren admitted that his future path is now uncertain.
"I don’t know what he’ll say. I’m sure he’s a fighting man – he showed that right to the end. They were just standing there throwing bombs at each other.
I don’t even know how he feels mentally; he’ll probably be down for a while. We’ll need to talk to him, lift his spirits and see where he stands. It’ll take some time – maybe a couple of weeks or a month before we discuss his next move." Looking ahead, Hrgovic’s next challenge will be the IBF’s mandatory contender, Frank Sanchez.
The Croatian champion aims to defend his title and pursue unification bouts that could solidify his claim as the top heavyweight in the sport. Overall, the bout highlighted the contrast between raw talent and seasoned experience. While Itauma demonstrated speed, technical precision, and a fearless approach that impressed many observers, his lack of endurance and strategic depth underlined the growing pains often faced by young prospects stepping onto the world stage. Hrgovic’s victory, built on patience, resilience, and a well‑timed offensive surge, reinforced his status as a seasoned champion capable of adapting mid‑fight and capitalising on an opponent’s fatigue.
The heavyweight division now looks forward to potential match‑ups that could further define the hierarchy, with Hrgovic eyeing unification and Itauma seeking redemption and a chance to refine his craft for future title opportunities.