Filip Hrgovic sensationally stopped Moses Itauma in the ninth round on Saturday, August 29, 2026, claiming the vacant International Boxing Federation (IBF) Heavyweight Championship at The O2 Arena in London. This dramatic stoppage ended the highly anticipated clash, derailing Itauma’s ambitious bid to become one of the youngest heavyweight champions in history.
The main event saw ringwalks around 10:30 PM BST. It concluded abruptly when Itauma’s corner threw in the towel after Hrgovic unleashed a barrage of heavy punches. The young Briton was left visibly hurt and wobbly on his feet, prompting the intervention and marking his first professional loss.
Filip Hrgovic IBF Heavyweight Championship pursuit
The Croatian heavyweight, Filip Hrgovic, now boasts a professional record of 21-1 with 16 knockouts. This marks an impressive recovery since his only prior loss to Daniel Dubois in June 2024.
His victory secures him the IBF title, making him the first Croatian ever to capture heavyweight gold. This triumph firmly establishes him at the pinnacle of the division.
Moses Itauma, at just 21 years old, entered the fight undefeated in 14 professional bouts. He had secured 12 of those wins by knockout.
His post-fight record now stands at 14-1 (12 KOs). The immense pressure on the young boxer was evident, as he aimed to etch his name into history as the second-youngest world heavyweight champion, trailing only the legendary Mike Tyson.
The stakes were incredibly high for both fighters, with the vacant IBF title offering a direct path to undisputed status. This event, broadcast on DAZN Pay-Per-View, commanded significant attention.
Its high profile drew considerable interest due to the championship bout. Ultimately, the fight delivered on its promise of high drama and a definitive conclusion, reshaping the landscape of the division.
Pre-fight tension boiled over
The build-up to this championship bout was fraught with animosity, culminating in a heated incident at Friday’s weigh-in. At Spitalfields Market, Itauma aggressively shoved Hrgovic off the stage, prompting the 34-year-old Croatian to climb back up and retaliate with a slap. This physical confrontation intensified an already charged atmosphere.
Throughout the pre-fight media engagements, Filip Hrgovic had repeatedly branded Moses Itauma a “kid” and “delusional.” These verbal jabs, combined with the physical altercation, ignited public interest and set the stage for an explosive encounter.
Itauma had previously showcased his power with a first-round TKO against Dillian Whyte on August 16, 2025. He also secured a fifth-round knockout of Jermaine Franklin Jr. on March 28, 2026.
Hrgovic’s last outing before this monumental fight was a third-round TKO victory over Dave Allen on May 16, 2026. That performance demonstrated his formidable form, coming after his sole defeat to current WBO champion Daniel Dubois. This recent win underscored his readiness for the IBF title challenge.
What’s next for the heavyweight division
Filip Hrgovic’s newly acquired IBF Heavyweight Championship means he now faces a mandatory defence against Frank Sanchez. Such a defence is a common directive from governing bodies in professional boxing.
Sanchez had previously accepted a step-aside fee, but his position as the top contender for the IBF belt remains firm. This situation sets up another compelling clash in the competitive heavyweight landscape.
For Moses Itauma, this loss marks a significant moment in his young career. His undefeated record is now broken, but reaching a world title fight at such a young age underscores his potential. He’ll need to regroup and rebuild.
His talent suggests he will remain a prominent figure in the heavyweight division for years to come. The emergence of young talents in boxing continues to reshape the competitive landscape, offering exciting prospects for the sport’s future.
The fight was broadcast live on DAZN Pay-Per-View, priced at £24.99 in the UK, $59.99 in the US, and A$39.99 in Australia. These pricing structures highlighted the commercial magnitude of the event. The match’s outcome now profoundly shapes the immediate future of heavyweight boxing and the IBF title picture.
Undercard Results
The event also featured a robust undercard, showcasing a range of competitive bouts before the main event. Spectators at The O2 Arena witnessed a mix of decisions, knockouts, and even a draw across various weight classes, demonstrating the depth of talent on display.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Who won the Filip Hrgovic vs. Moses Itauma fight?
- Filip Hrgovic defeated Moses Itauma by TKO in the ninth round.
- What title did Filip Hrgovic win?
- Filip Hrgovic won the vacant International Boxing Federation (IBF) Heavyweight Championship.
- What is Moses Itauma’s professional record after the fight?
- After the fight, Moses Itauma’s record stands at 14-1 (12 KOs).
- What is next for Filip Hrgovic?
- As the new IBF Heavyweight Champion, Filip Hrgovic is mandated to defend his title against Frank Sanchez.
- How old is Moses Itauma?
- Moses Itauma is 21 years old.
