At London’s O2 Arena, 34-year-old F. Hrgović dramatically defeated the crowd favorite, one of the most promising heavyweight boxers in the world, Briton Moses Itauma, and won the vacant IBF heavyweight title.
He is the first heavyweight champion from Croatia – but this achievement might not have happened.
In June 2024, F. Hrgović suffered his first professional career defeat. Daniel Dubois stopped him in the eighth round, and the Croatian not only lost but also sustained serious facial injuries.
F. Hrgović later revealed that he arrived at that fight not in the best physical condition – he had been seriously ill a week before, and after a few rounds he felt completely exhausted.
Still, there were no excuses inside – the Croatian boxer felt disappointed in himself after the loss and considered ending his career.
“I was so humiliated. I was at rock bottom. I was disappointed in myself. I thought about ending my career, I was tired of boxing,” F. Hrgović admitted after his victory over M. Itauma.
He said he felt exhausted from a life that was only boxing.
“I was tired after 18 years spent in the sport. I earned money, but I had no life outside of boxing, so I thought about ending my career.”
At that time, one of the most important events of his life happened – his daughter was born. According to him, this became the motivation to try once more.
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“At that time my daughter was born. She is now two years old. And I told myself: I want to try again for her. I want her to be proud of me,” said the Croatian.
In April 2025, F. Hrgović returned to the ring with a victory over Joe Joyce. Later he defeated David Adeleye and Dave Allen, and on Saturday won the title fight against the favorite M. Itauma.
The fight started in a way F. Hrgović probably least wanted. Itauma was faster, won the first rounds, and in the second sent the Croatian to a knockdown. F. Hrgović himself admitted after the fight that he knew he was losing the rounds but felt the young Brit would tire over time.
That’s exactly what happened. In the ninth round, F. Hrgović launched a decisive attack, M. Itauma could no longer respond, his corner threw in the towel, and the Croatian became the IBF world heavyweight champion.
After the fight, Hrgović dedicated the victory not only to his daughter but also to his father, who died four years ago and, according to the boxer, was always his biggest supporter of dreams.
“I dedicate this fight to my father and daughter. She can walk with her head held high. Her father is a world champion,” F. Hrgović said emotionally.
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