Moses Itauma’s pursuit of becoming one of boxing’s youngest heavyweight world champions came to an abrupt end on Saturday night at London’s O2 Arena. The 21-year-old British fighter suffered the first defeat of his professional career, losing to Filip Hrgovic by ninth-round stoppage in a bout for the vacant IBF heavyweight title.

Hrgovic, 34, a Croatian contender, delivered a decisive performance to secure the victory, stopping Itauma after the referee, Howard Foster, halted the contest following the intervention of Itauma’s trainer, Ben Davison, who threw in the towel. The win crowned Hrgovic as his country’s first world heavyweight champion.

Itauma entered the fight with an undefeated record and had been aiming to become the second-youngest heavyweight champion in history, behind only Mike Tyson. Instead, the fight marked a dramatic turnaround, with the young prospect enduring a punishing ninth round.

The situation appeared concerning after the fight ended, as Itauma was stretchered from ringside and transported to hospital for further evaluation. Details regarding his condition following the bout have not been disclosed.