Hrgovic reveals headache and exhaustion after stopping Itauma for IBF crown

Filip Hrgovic says he was left with a headache for days after beating Moses Itauma to become IBF world heavyweight champion.

The 34-year-old Croatian stopped the 21-year-old Briton in the ninth round in London on 29 August. The IBF, one of boxing's four major sanctioning bodies, lists the win on 29 August 2026 and classes heavyweight as over 200lbs. IBF

That night in London was originally scheduled as a non-title heavyweight fight for 29 August. It was then upgraded to a clash for the vacant IBF title, meaning no one held the belt and it was up for grabs. Sky Sports Hrgovic won by technical knockout, when the referee stops the fight, to take the crown. Reuters

Hrgovic has now described the cost. He said he was bruised and tired, and had a headache for a few days afterwards. He did not celebrate. He even skipped his usual post-win trip to McDonald's because he lacked the strength. The Guardian

He was back in the gym by the Wednesday after the fight, working out lightly. That is a fast turnaround after a hard nine rounds at heavyweight. Headaches after a fight are a sign the head has taken impact, and boxing medical teams watch them closely.

The new champion is already looking ahead. Hrgovic said he aims to unify the division, meaning to collect all four major belts and become the outright No 1. He also said there is a chance he could face Rico Verhoeven on the undercard, the supporting bouts before the main event, of Anthony Joshua against Tyson Fury.

That Joshua-Fury bout is expected to take place in Cardiff on 11 December. Nothing is signed for Hrgovic yet. It is only a possibility he mentioned in interview.

What makes this stand out is the contrast. Itauma, at 21, arrived as one of Britain's brightest young heavyweights. Hrgovic, at 34, arrived as the older, tested operator. On the night, experience told. Weeks later, Hrgovic's account is a reminder that even a career-best win hurts.