Moses Itauma suffered his first professional defeat on Saturday, August 29, after Filip Hrgovic stopped him in the ninth round to claim the vacant IBF heavyweight title at London’s O2 Arena.

Itauma entered the bout as one of boxing’s brightest young prospects, with a chance to become the sport’s youngest heavyweight champion since Mike Tyson. The 21-year-old looked on course for victory early on, controlling the opening six rounds and putting Hrgovic under pressure with his speed, combinations and body shots.

He also appeared to hurt the Croatian in the second round, forcing Hrgovic to touch the canvas after a left hook. But despite Itauma’s sustained pressure, Hrgovic refused to fold, and his durability gradually began to change the fight.

Itauma had never been beyond six rounds as a professional before Saturday, and the extra rounds appeared to take their toll. He mounted another major attack in the eighth, landing heavily to Hrgovic’s body and head, but the Croatian absorbed the punishment and fired back.

By the ninth round, Itauma was visibly exhausted and struggling to maintain his balance. Hrgovic seized the opportunity, pressing forward with combinations before referee Howard Foster stopped the contest after the Briton was left defenceless against the ropes.

Filip Hrgovic defeats Moses Itauma via TKO in Round 9 to CLINCH the IBF Heavyweight Title #Boxing #ItaumaHrgovic pic.twitter.com/57LiJiX0M5

— Scott (@ScottishProbl) August 29, 2026

Itauma required medical attention after the fight and was taken from the arena on a stretcher for further checks.

Hrgovic, now 21-1 with 16 knockouts, acknowledged Itauma’s ability while pointing to the experience gap between them.

“He’s an amazing fighter,” Hrgovic said. “I am the present. He is definitely the future.”

The victory makes Hrgovic Croatia’s first heavyweight world champion and puts him at the centre of the division’s title picture. He is expected to face mandatory challenger Frank Sanchez next, although a unification fight could also emerge.

Meanwhile, Itauma, who had won all 14 of his previous professional fights, now has to find a way back from the biggest setback of his young career.