Moses Itauma LOSES IBF world heavyweight title clash in huge upset: British star leaves arena on a stretcher after being stopped by Filip Hrgovic in ninth round

Published: 18:43 EDT, 29 August 2026 | Updated: 18:57 EDT, 29 August 2026

Moses Itauma suffered an almighty upset as he was stopped by Filip Hrgovic in the ninth round of their brutal IBF heavyweight title bout.

The 21-year-old Brit had largely been on top of his opponent until a devastating ninth-round onslaught left him out on his feet.

His corner threw in the towel and Itauma required medical attention before being lowered onto a stretcher to leave the arena.

He had given everything throughout the fight but, going beyond the sixth round for the first time, he looked increasingly spent of energy.

Now he has a first professional defeat on his ledger – after his remarkable rise saw him win all of his first 14 fights, with 12 knockouts.

Next up for Hrgovic will be Frank Sanchez, but he will also have WB title holder Agit Kabayel in his sights longer term as he wants a unification fight.

More to follow.

Moses Itauma has suffered his first pro defeat at the hands of Croatian star Filip Hrgovic

Hrgovic claimed the vacant IBF world heavyweight title after surviving plenty of heavy punches – and dealing his own

JEFF POWELL’S SCORECARD

Round One: Itauma 10-9 Hrgovic

Both had pledged to go for a quick kill an the fervent 02. Itauma was as good as his word. The first five big shots won the first but proved the resilience of the Hrgovic chin.

Round Two: Itauma 10-8 Hrgovic

Moses tested his opponent better from the onset of the second round and scored a flash knockdown, but the Croatian rallied.

Round Three: Itauma 9-10 Hrgovic

Slowly Hrgovic came into the fight, getting on the score card by shaking Itauma three times.

Round Four: Itauma 10-9 Hrgovic

Moses returned to examine the Hrgovic chin but could not quite land the early finish.

Round Five: Itauma 10-10 Hrgovic

Brutal exchanges but Hgrovic was giving as good as he got.

Round Six: Itauma 10-9 Hrgovic

An astonishing sixth round tested the resilience of both fighters to the limit.

Round Seven: Itauma 10-9 Hrgovic

Itauma was taken beyond the sixth round for the first time and in his impatience some of his swings became wild… but not all of them.