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British-Nigerian heavyweight boxer Moses Itauma suffered the first defeat of his professional career after losing by technical knockout to Croatia's Filip Hrgovic in their IBF world heavyweight title bout at London's O2 Arena.
The 21-year-old, who entered the fight unbeaten and heavily favoured, dominated the early rounds and even scored a knockdown in the second. However, his relentless pace took its toll as he faded badly in the later stages.
Sensing his opponent was exhausted, Hrgovic mounted a strong comeback in the ninth round, landing heavy punches that left Itauma struggling to remain on his feet.
With the British-Nigerian boxer unable to defend himself and slumping into his corner, his team threw in the towel, prompting the referee to stop the contest.
Itauma required medical attention immediately after the fight and was later carried from the arena on a stretcher.
Reacting to the victory, Hrgovic praised Itauma's talent but said the young fighter lacked the experience needed at the highest level.
"He is the best I have been in the ring with, but he needs more experience. I knew he started too fast and would tire. When my chance came, I took it,\\\\\\\" the new champion said.
Victory handed Hrgovic the vacant IBF heavyweight title, making him Croatia's first heavyweight world champion.
For Itauma, the defeat ended hopes of becoming one of the youngest heavyweight world champions in boxing history after an impressive start to his professional career that saw him stop 12 of his first 14 opponents.
Despite the setback, promoter Frank Warren expressed confidence that the rising star would bounce back, revealing that Itauma may have been carrying a leg injury during the closing stages of the contest.
"He gave everything. He'll go back to the drawing board and come again," Warren said.
Although the loss has ended Itauma's unbeaten run and dented his aura of invincibility, the 21-year-old is widely expected to rebuild his career and remain a major contender in the heavyweight division.
