British heavyweight Moses Itauma stretchered out after gruelling world title defeat
British heavyweight boxer Moses Itauma suffered his first professional defeat against Filip Hrgovic in a world title bout at the O2 Arena. Itauma was hospitalized as a precaution after being stopped in the ninth round due to exhaustion and a leg injury.
Why it matters
The fight serves as a significant career milestone for both fighters, testing the limits of a rising prospect against an experienced world-level opponent.
Image source, Getty Images Image caption, Moses Itauma had never gone beyond six rounds before losing against Filip Hrgovic
Moses Itauma was still a schoolboy when he would turn up at boxing gyms in his uniform and give seasoned professionals a hiding.
On Saturday night at the O2 Arena, the 21-year-old was finally given an education, as the Briton ran out of gas and the granite experience of Filip Hrgovic carried the Croatian to the vacant IBF heavyweight title.
The referee waved off the fight as Itauma's corner threw in the towel in the ninth round. But for long spells, Itauma was the quicker, sharper and more assured fighter, repeatedly finding Hrgovic with the left hand and showing exactly why so many inside boxing believe he has the tools to reach the very top.
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