Boxer hospitalised after ‘shocking turn of events’ in world title fight

Previously-undefeated English boxing prospect Moses Itauma has suffered the first loss of his career, going down in an IBF heavyweight world title fight.

Itauma was 14-0 going into the bout against Filip Hrgovic on Sunday morning (AEST) and looked to be on his way to capturing gold.

The towel comes in for Moses Itauma. Getty

The 21-year-old was dominating against Hrgovic for more than half the fight, but started to tire out and started to swing wildly with little composure.

In the ninth round, Itauma was up against the ropes as Hrgovic piled on the pressure, before both the referee looked to step in and wave it off.

At the same time the in-ring official was going to put an end to the fight, Itauma’s own corner threw in the towel, giving Hrgovic a shocking comeback win.

The reaction on social media came thick and fast, with many in disbelief after seeing Itauma forego what appeared to be a maiden world title.

“I’m in a state of shock. Itauma won every round … and then completely gassed. Corner throws in towel (good call) and the coronation is no more,” veteran combat sports journalist Ariel Helwani wrote on X.

Andreas Hale said: “The skills and power are there. The gas tank is not.”

Other big-name boxing stars weighed in on the chaotic world title clash.

“Not sure what happened tonight. Moses was fighting well then gassed out it seems ... at his young age this should simply not be happening. Time to rethink his training camp moving forward I think,” Chris Eubank Jr said.

Shakur Stevenson said: “He’s young and will be a champion one day if he learns from that. He throws every punch at 100mph and that can be a gift and a curse, Especially in the heavyweights division.”

In concerning post-fight scenes, footage on social media showed Itauma unable to stand on his own and he was taken out of the arena on a stretcher.

The result is a massive reward for Hrgovic (21-1) who had lost his previous shot at the IBF gold two years ago against Daniel Dubois.

Hrgovic could be in line for a rematch with Dubois, who currently holds the WBO belt at heavyweight, in a potential unification bout.