Moses Itauma and Filip Hrgovic battle it out for the vacant IBF title tonight at The O2 in London.
The 21-year-old Brit has raced to 14-0 with 12 knockouts and arrives at his first world title fight after stoppage victories over Jermaine Franklin and Dillian Whyte. Victory would make him the division’s second-youngest world champion in history, behind only Mike Tyson.
Hrgovic – who is bidding to become Croatia’s first heavyweight champion – represents the most experienced opponent of Itauma’s career so far. ‘El Animal’ has lost only once as a professional, against Daniel Dubois in 2024 due to cuts, and has since rebuilt with victories over Joe Joyce, David Adeleye and Dave Allen.
The IBF belt, recently vacated by Oleksandr Usyk, adds significantly to the stakes of what was already an extremely intriguing match-up. Itauma has not been extended during his rapid rise through the division, but Hrgovic’s durability, jab and experience have led many to view tonight as the first real examination of whether the highly rated southpaw is the real deal.
Stay with Boxing News for a live scorecard and final fight result as heavyweight history is made, one way or another.
Itauma vs Hrgovic live scorecard
This is a Boxing News live scorecard and not the official score from the judges.
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | Total | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Itauma | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 80 |
| Hrgovic | 9 | 8 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 71 |
Itauma vs Hrgovic fight result
Filip Hrgovic TKO. ‘El Animal’ has an iron chin, and he used it expertly to survive a knockdown – and beatdown – to let the young Brit punch himself out and take advantage. Itauma passed the chin check test everybody wanted, but where he came unstuck was managing his pace against a heavyweight with world-class durability. Hrgovic soaked up incredible punishment through eight rounds and took control the moment he saw that Itauma had emptied the tank. Trainer Ben Davison threw in the towel at the same time as referee Howard Foster stopped the action, Itauma out on his feet and close to collapse. History made in the heavyweight division for Croatia as Britain’s next superstar is dealt his first loss. Itauma looked incredible when he was on top – speed, angles and confidence – but his search for a stoppage will perhaps be a regret. Following the fight, he was stretchered off to receive medical attention.
