Filip Hrgovic defeated Moses Itauma in a ninth-round TKO to win the vacant IBF heavyweight title in London. Itauma, 21, controlled early rounds with speed and power, knocking Hrgovic down in the second, but faded due to inexperience and relentless output. Hrgovic, an Olympic bronze medallist, weathered the storm and capitalized as Itauma struggled to stand, legs unsteady and body swaying before his corner threw in the towel.

Itauma required medical attention and left on a stretcher. Hrgovic said he anticipated Itauma would gas out and pushed when the moment came. The loss ended Itauma’s bid to become the second-youngest heavyweight world champion.

Hrgovic becomes Croatia’s first heavyweight world champion, with Frank Sanchez as IBF mandatory challenger. A unification fight with WBO holder Daniel Dubois could follow. Itauma had won his first 14 fights and was touted as boxing’s next superstar before this setback.