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By Newzyy Staff — 1h ago
Filip Hrgović staged a dramatic late surge to claim the IBF heavyweight title from Britain’s Moses Itauma in a bout that exceeded expectations in London on Saturday.
Hrgović, 34, had been written off by many as past his prime, but he dominated the final rounds to secure a late stoppage victory. Itauma, a highly touted prospect, struggled to maintain his early momentum as Hrgović turned the tide in the later stages of the fight.
Prince Naseem Hamed, commentating for DAZN, admitted his initial assessment of Itauma’s approach had been incorrect. He praised the young fighter’s effort but acknowledged that Hrgović’s experience and tactical adjustments proved decisive. Hamed suggested the loss could serve as a valuable lesson for Itauma, forcing him to refine his strategy rather than rely solely on aggression.
Hrgović, now Croatia’s first world heavyweight champion, made clear his ambitions extend beyond mandatory defenses. He immediately called for a unification bout against WBO titlist Daniel Dubois, dismissing the idea of facing mandatory challenger Frank Sanchez next. “I want a unification,” Hrgović declared, pointing toward Dubois at ringside. WBC champion Agit Kabayel, also in attendance, responded enthusiastically, expressing readiness to fight.
Promoter Frank Warren acknowledged Hrgović’s demands but emphasized the importance of fulfilling contractual obligations. He left open the possibility of rearranging the mandatory path in favor of a unification, stating the priority was to have the best fighters face each other. Hrgović also appealed for a homecoming fight in Croatia, a request Warren said would be honored.
Reflecting on his victory, Hrgović called it an improbable achievement, coming against a much younger opponent in a foreign venue. “Against all odds, coming in London against the most talented young guy in the world,” he said. “It’s incredible.”