Moses Itauma, 21, was hospitalized following a ninth-round stoppage loss to Filip Hrgovic in their IBF world heavyweight title bout at The O2 Arena. The Croatian boxer secured the vacant title after a dramatic fight that saw Itauma forced from the ring on a stretcher. Itauma’s corner threw in the towel as he showed signs of exhaustion, ending the contest. Hrgovic, 34, became the first Croatian to win a world heavyweight boxing title.
Itauma’s title ambitions were dashed after the decisive round, with medical staff taking precautions due to his condition. The fight, which took place on Saturday, marked a significant moment in boxing history. Hrgovic’s victory was confirmed after the stoppage, making him the new IBF champion. Itauma’s immediate rematch against Hrgovic is now unlikely, with Frank Sanchez named as the mandatory challenger.
The outcome leaves Itauma’s future uncertain, while Hrgovic’s win solidifies his place in the heavyweight division. The fight, which drew attention for its intensity, highlights the challenges faced by young fighters in elite competition.
