Filip Hrgovic asserted that he recognized Moses Itauma would fatigue during their heavyweight world title bout, ultimately securing a ninth-round stoppage victory over the previously undefeated British challenger. The Croatian became his nation's first heavyweight world champion following the contest at the O2 Arena.
Itauma, who had been heavily favored and aimed to become the second-youngest heavyweight champion in history, dominated the early rounds and scored a knockdown in the second. However, Hrgovic weathered the storm, observing Itauma's stamina diminish by the eighth round. Hrgovic capitalized on this perceived weakness in the ninth, pressing his advantage until Itauma's corner threw in the towel.
"You're going to be sending Moses back to high school," Hrgovic stated post-fight, questioning the importance of chin strength and acknowledging Itauma's talent. "I'm the present, and he's definitely the future. He's an amazing fighter. He's one of a kind. He's the best I've been in the ring with, but he needs more experience. From the first round, I saw him gassing out. He started fast. I knew he was going to gas out. I knew when my chance came, I needed to push. That is what I did."
Despite the defeat, which was the first of Itauma's professional career, several figures in the boxing world expressed confidence in his potential. Itauma was taken from the ring on a stretcher for precautionary medical checks.
Former boxer Tony Bellew commented on social media that Itauma would learn from the experience and eventually become a world champion, noting the young fighter's bravery and toughness. Bellew suggested that once Itauma masters pacing a 12-round fight, he would dominate the division.
Boxer Eubank Jr. also weighed in, expressing surprise at Itauma's apparent fatigue at his young age and suggesting a review of his training camp. He offered congratulations to Hrgovic on his championship win.