Vacant IBF Heavyweight Championship
Yesterday’s Queensberry Promotions/DAZN Main Event between undefeated Heavyweight Moses Itauma (14-1, 12 Kos) and Filip Hrgovic (21-1, 16 Kos) turned out to be a show stopper when these two big warriors collided at the O2 Arena in London, England.
From the first bell, the young hungry lion Itauma, came out the gate in his usual aggressive and destructive manner landing some heavy punches while controlling the first few rounds with ease. Itauma’s power was quite visible as he managed to drop Hrgovic early in the second round but Hrgovic did not fold.
It was very interesting to see Itauma having to deal with some resistance. Although Itauma was putting a beating on Hrgovic, the older lion refused to crumble at Itauma’s hands. Hrgovic stood his ground and relied on his sturdy chin, durability and experience to weather the storm coming at him by way of Itauma’s aggressive approach. By doing so, visible fatigue started to creep up on Itauma whose punch output dwindled after the first 4 rounds.
With Itauma starting to lose form and discipline inside that squared circle, Hrgovic continued to stand his ground and survive the rounds while patiently waiting for his opportunity. By the eighth, Itauma had completely abandoned his boxing and was only looking to slug it out hoping to get the knockout to end this bout, but Hrgovic responded well and dished out just as much as he was taking in.
Hrgovic sensed the inevitable going into the ninth round and proceeded to go for the kill and pressed the exhausted bully with some good shots that had Itauma staggering with only the ropes holding him up for dear life with absolutely nothing left in the tank to protect himself. This prompted Itauma’s corner to throw in the towel to protect their fighter and stop the fight.
Many had counted “EL Animal” the older lion, to be another victim at Itauma’s hands but greatly underestimated the experience that Hrgovic possesses. Hrgovic silenced all the naysayers on enemy lines and prevailed to capture the vacant IBF Championship Title, crowning him the New IBF Heavyweight Champion of the World and the first to do so from Croatia.
Congratulations Filip Hrgovic, you’ve earned this one the right way.
Blaze