Moses Itauma was taken to hospital after losing his IBF world heavyweight title fight in a ninth-round stoppage to new champion Filip Hrgovic. Itauma had to be stretchered out of the ring following a wild bout at The O2 in London, which saw Croatia claim their first title holder in the division.
Precautionary hospital visit
Itauma had dominated the early proceedings but grew fatigued as the contest continued, forcing referee Howard Foster to step in. Trainer Ben Davison threw in the towel at the same time as the night ended in disappointment for Itauma, who was then transferred to a nearby hospital as a precautionary measure.
"Moses has gone to the hospital for a check up," promoter Frank Warren said. "It's precautionary that he's gone to the hospital. That's what we always do to make sure because the most important thing is the boxer's health. He's there and he's in the best place. We'll see what happens when I've got a report. We'll obviously let everybody know."
Fight details and aftermath
"He's done something to his leg as well and he was quite tired. It was a high paced, fast fight for both the guys. It was just edge of your seat stuff all the way through," Warren added.
Itauma unleashed a relentless barrage of punches on Hrgovic throughout the opening seven rounds, yet the seasoned 34-year-old weathered the storm before seizing control in the eighth and ninth rounds. Displaying an iron jaw and immense courage, he dominated the exchanges as the pair went head-to-head and Itauma staggered across the ring before Foster stepped in to halt proceedings.
Future uncertain
The bout had been marketed as 'Witness History' in anticipation of Itauma being crowned Britain's youngest ever world heavyweight champion, yet his career has now hit a significant stumbling block and Warren was unable to guarantee his return to the ring anytime soon.
"I don't know what he's going to say," Warren said. "I'm sure he's a fighting man. He showed that right to the end. At the end, that's the type of fight it was – they were standing there just letting bombs go. I don't even know how he feels mentally. Mentally, he's going to be completely down. We're going to have to talk to him and lift him and see what he's like."
"It's going to take some time. He's going to have a nice break. It's not even the time to talk about it with him at the moment. It's something we're probably doing in two weeks or even a month's time, see where we go with it."
Hrgovic must now face IBF mandatory challenger Frank Sanchez, who accepted step-aside money to allow the bout with Itauma to proceed. "I can't believe it's happening," the Croatian said. "My head is ringing from everything. It will take time for my feelings to settle. But I can't believe that after 20 years I have my dream. God gave me the best possible gift to fight to win a world title against the best guy in the division. The most talented guy in the division. There is no better way for me to become a world champion."
