Hrgovic stuns Itauma with late stoppage to claim vacant IBF heavyweight title

Filip Hrgovic pulled off a stunning upset at London's O2 Arena, stopping previously unbeaten Moses Itauma in the ninth round to capture the vacant IBF heavyweight world title.

The 21-year-old Itauma dominated large stretches of the contest and even dropped Hrgovic briefly in the second round, but his relentless, high-output style eventually drained him. Having entered the bout unbeaten in 14 professional fights and tipped as the sport's next big star, Itauma was already breathing heavily by the end of round three, while the durable Hrgovic weathered the pressure and gradually turned the fight in his favour.

In the ninth round, Hrgovic landed a heavy right hand that sent Itauma staggering backwards, nearly through the ropes. Although Itauma remained on his feet, he could barely defend himself and slumped in his corner, prompting his team to throw in the towel.

Itauma needed medical attention afterwards and left the arena on a stretcher. He had entered the fight as a heavy favourite following his run of 14 straight wins.

Hrgovic, an Olympic bronze medallist whose only prior professional loss came against Daniel Dubois, admitted he had been outboxed for much of the fight but said he recognised Itauma was fading and seized his opportunity late. The win makes him Croatia's first heavyweight world champion.

Frank Sanchez stands as the IBF's mandatory challenger, while a unification bout could follow against WBO champion Daniel Dubois, who is set to face Fabio Wardley again in October.

Promoter Frank Warren suggested Itauma may have been carrying a leg injury in the closing round but expressed confidence the young fighter would return stronger after this setback.