Heavyweight boxer Moses Itauma has been rushed to hospital following a brutal world title clash with Filip Hrgovic on Sunday morning [AEDT].
The Brit has been tipped by many to dominate the heavyweight division so his first defeat has stunned legends within the sport.
Watch the biggest Aussie sports the best from overseas LIVE on Kayo Sports | New to Kayo? Join now and get your first month for just $1.
It was made all the more shocking by the fact Itauma won seven rounds before being stopped in the ninth.
The 21-year-old completely gassed out and was on the brink of exhaustion by the time Hrgovic delivered the knockout blows.
Trainer Ben Davidson went to throw in the towel, hesitated, and then did so just as the referee called a stop to the fight with Itauma dead on his feet.
Medics then rushed to his attention as Hrgovic celebrated his victory, which makes him IBF world heavyweight champion.
Itauma was then moved onto a stretcher by several doctors and paramedics, unable to move himself.
He was then carried out of the London arena and taken to hospital.
The result shocked the boxing world with Hrgovic’s unlikely comeback not on the cards.
“Not sure what happened tonight. Moses was fighting well then gassed out it seems,” wrote Chris Eubank Jr.
“At his young age this should simply not be happening. Time to rethink his training camp moving forward I think.
“Congratulations to Filip Hrgovic becoming the new heavyweight champ.”
“Unbelievable Talent and skills. He’s young and will be a champion one day if he learn from that,” said Shakur Stevenson.
“He throws every punch at 100mph and that can be a gift and a curse, Especially in the heavyweights division!!”
Another boxer, Tony Bellew, said: “Filip done amazing to ride through the storm! I’ll say this now! Moses Itauma will be world champion! He will learn so much from tonight.
“The biggest thing I’ll take from tonight is just how brave and tough Moses was. We knew Filip was super tough.. Tonight we learned Moses is also tough. Once he learns to pace a 12 round bout he’s gonna rule for a while! Filip Hrgovic’s chin needs to studied.”
“One of the most shocking turn of events in recent boxing history. Itauma was sensational,” wrote boxing expert Mike Coppinger on X,
“Punched himself out. Incredible display of guts from Hrgovic with the life-changing effort. But I’m also not writing off Moses. Not by a long shot. Unreal shocker.”
“I’m in a state of shock,” said Ariel Helwani.
“Itauma won every round … and then completely gassed. Corner throws in towel (good call) and the coronation is no more.”
“Hrgovic won it in the 9th Round at the O2 – Moses had nothing left in the tank! Brutal end…What a fight!” said sports reporter Jim White.