Filip Hrgovic is the first Croatian to become world heavyweight boxing champion after beating Britain’s Moses Itauma. Published August 30, 2026 August 30, 2026 Croatia’s Filip Hrgovic defeated Britain’s Moses Itauma via a ninth-round stoppage to win the vacant International Boxing Federation (IBF) world heavyweight title in a thrilling contest in London. Itauma, bidding to become the second-youngest world heavyweight champion after Mike Tyson, was on top during the early stages of the fight but had to be stretchered out of the ring and taken to hospital from the O2 Arena on Saturday. Facing the toughest test of his 15-fight professional career against an experienced Olympic medal winner, Itauma, 21, tired against an opponent with a granite chin. Itauma’s trainer Ben Davison threw in the towel in the ninth round, but by then referee Howard Foster had stopped the fight in favor of Hrgovic. The Croatian won the world heavyweight title vacated by Ukrainian boxing great Oleksandr Usyk. It was the first time Itauma went past the sixth round and at one point in the ninth it seemed as if he was about to fall. Hrgovic in action against Itauma [Peter Cziborra/Action Images via Reuters]“I don’t know where I got the energy from in that [ninth] round,” said Hrgovic, 34, almost as physically exhausted as his defeated opponent. “It really wasn’t my strength. It was the Holy Spirit. He gave me strength in this camp to endure everything, to have [the] The best camp of my life, it put me in contact with this great coach, Abel Sánchez.” Hrgovic greeted the brave Itauma and added: “I am the present and he definitely [the] future. He is an incredible fighter. He is unique. He’s the best I’ve ever been in a ring with, but he needed more experience. “I felt the pace of the fight. I knew I was losing rounds, but I knew I had that pace going for me. He was wearing himself out.” appreciation. But come the eighth, both boxers appeared to be on their feet, with Hrgovic somehow still standing despite several punishing blows. Hrgovic was landing powerful punches of his own and, with a dazed Itauma staggering around the ring, Foster made a stoppage in the ninth round. Promoter Frank Warren said after the fight that Hrgovic is ready to fight Cuban Frank Sanchez, but the Croatian himself said he instead wants to face WBO champion Daniel Dubois and then the WBC. Title holder Agit Kabayel were both ringside at the O2 Arena. “I want unification. Frank Sánchez will wait,” Hrgovic said. Hrgovic’s only loss was to Dubois in 2024. Hrgovic was bleeding from deep cuts above his eyes at the time when the ringside doctor recommended the fight be stopped.
