Filip Hrgovic lauded Moses Itauma after the Briton's unexpected ninth‑round stoppage, but he also noted that the young challenger boxed in a manner more reminiscent of an amateur than a seasoned professional. The 34‑year‑old Croatian made history on Saturday night at The O2, becoming the first boxer from Croatia to capture a world heavyweight crown by securing the vacant IBF title. Itauma, only 21 and entering the ring with an unbeaten record, started the contest strongly.
For the first six rounds he displayed sharp, accurate punching and seemed to dictate the pace, landing a flurry of clean blows that kept Hrgovic on the back foot. However, as the bout wore on, the youngster’s stamina began to wane. He struggled to penetrate Hrgovic’s solid chin, and the seventh round marked the first occasion in his career that he had ever been forced to fight beyond six rounds.
Sensing the shift, Hrgovic seized the initiative in the ninth. His relentless pressure and well‑timed attacks forced the British corner to throw in the towel, ending the fight in dramatic fashion. In the post‑fight interview, Hrgovic praised Itauma’s natural talent, calling him the most gifted heavyweight he had faced, yet he could not hide his criticism of the youngster’s ringcraft, likening it to an amateur style. "To be honest, he’s amazing," Hrgovic said.
"I didn’t expect it to be this hard; I thought I could handle him more easily. I was losing all the rounds. The kid is incredible – he’s so fast you can’t see his punches coming. He doesn’t hit hard, but his speed is exceptional.
From the first round I could tell he was gasping for air; he was still boxing like an amateur." He continued, "He’s inexperienced, and I saw his fatigue early on. My only chance was to stay in the fight, tire him out, keep pressing, and look for a stoppage later. That’s exactly what I did. I came to London, his hometown, against the division’s most talented youngster and I beat the odds.
I want to be regarded as the best heavyweight in the world – this is my moment. I am the present; he is the future. I’m aiming for unification bouts with the likes of Dubois or Agit Kabayel. That’s my goal." Itauma entered the match with a reputation as one of boxing’s brightest young prospects, having amassed early knockout victories that raised expectations of a rapid ascent.
Yet the fight exposed a key area for development: pacing. Against a durable champion like Hrgovic, the 21‑year‑old was forced to confront the reality that early fireworks must be balanced with endurance for the later rounds.
After the stoppage, Itauma was carried out on a stretcher as a precaution and taken to a nearby hospital. A statement from Queensberry Promotions on Sunday confirmed that he had been released and was back at home with his family.
"Moses is well. He left the hospital last night and is back at home with his family," the spokesperson said.
Promoter Frank Warren emphasized the priority of the boxer’s health, noting, "We always make sure the fighter is safe. He’s in the best place now. We’ll get a medical report and keep everyone informed.
He also suffered a leg injury and was clearly exhausted. It was a high‑tempo, fast‑paced fight for both men – edge‑of‑your‑seat action from start to finish." Warren also reflected on Itauma’s ambitions.
The Brit had entered the ring hoping to become Britain’s youngest heavyweight world champion, but the loss leaves his future path uncertain. "I don’t know what he’ll say. I’m sure he’s a fighting man; he showed that right to the end.
It was a fight where both fighters just stood there and let the bombs fly. I don’t even know how he feels mentally – he might be down. We’ll have to talk to him, lift his spirits and see where he stands. It will take some time.
He’ll get a decent break. We’ll probably discuss his next steps in a couple of weeks or a month." Looking ahead, Hrgovic now turns his attention to the IBF’s mandatory challenger, Frank Sanchez, as he prepares for his first defense of the newly won title.
The victory over Itauma not only cemented Hrgovar’s place in Croatian sporting history but also highlighted the fine line between raw talent and seasoned technique in the heavyweight division. For Itauma, the experience serves as a valuable lesson in stamina management and ring IQ, lessons that, if he heeds them, could propel him back into contention as the future star he is widely expected to become.