Hrgovic stops Itauma, says defeat could end his career or make him unbeatable

Hrgovic stopped Itauma in the ninth round to win the IBF heavyweight title, saying the loss could either end his rival's career or make him unbeatable.

• Hrgovic, the 34-year-old Croatian, stopped Itauma in the ninth round at the O2 Arena in August despite having been floored in the second round.
• Hrgovic conceded he was "outboxed" early by Itauma, the 21-year-old Briton who had been the heavy pre-fight favourite.
• Hrgovic praised Itauma's speed and timing, calling him "special" and saying no one had ever outboxed him in 20 years of boxing.
• Hrgovic said the defeat was "a big humiliation" for Itauma and that his career would end if he is "not mentally tough."