Filip Hrgovic stops Moses Itauma in IBF title fight at O2 Arena
2 sources • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 30, 2026, 5:23 AM
Last updated Aug 30, 2026

Filip Hrgovic stopped Moses Itauma in the ninth round to win the IBF heavyweight title at London's O2 Arena. Itauma started strong, controlling much of the bout with speed and power, but struggled after his first outing beyond six rounds. Hrgovic, who had been outpunched earlier, seized the chance to become Croatia's first heavyweight champion. Prominent figures like Shakur Stevenson and Tony Bellew praised Itauma's potential despite the setback and expressed confidence in his ability to learn from the fight.
- •Hrgovic claimed the IBF heavyweight title with a ninth-round stoppage.
- •Itauma controlled early rounds but fatigued later in the bout.
- •Both Stevenson and Bellew believe Itauma can still become a champion.
- •Itauma lacked experience going beyond six rounds for the first time.
- •Hrgovic becomes Croatia's first heavyweight world champion.
- 5:23 AMYahoo Sports — Reaction to Hrgovic's stoppage of Itauma
- 5:19 AMBBC Sport — 'Unbelievable' - Stephenson & Bellow react to Hrgovic's stoppage of Itauma
"Shakur Stevenson and Tony Bellew believe Moses Itauma still has what it takes to become a world champion after losing to Filip Hrgovic for the IBF heavyweight title.
"Shakur Stevenson and Tony Bellew believe Moses Itauma still has what it takes to become a world champion after losing to Filip Hrgovic for the IBF heavyweight title.
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsAug 30, 2026, 5:23 AMReaction to Hrgovic's stoppage of Itauma
Shakur Stevenson and Tony Bellew believe Moses Itauma still has what it takes to become a world champion after losing to Filip Hrgovic for the IBF heavyweight title.
- BBC SportAug 30, 2026, 5:19 AM'Unbelievable' - Stephenson & Bellow react to Hrgovic's stoppage of Itauma
Shakur Stevenson and Tony Bellew believe Moses Itauma still has what it takes to become a world champion after losing to Filip Hrgovic for the IBF heavyweight title.
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