The End: Entering "uncharted waters" (being the first time in his career that he has gone beyond the sixth round), Itauma began the ninth round completely exhausted. Hrgović, demonstrating iron resistance and taking advantage of his opponent's fatigue, increased the pressure, causing the Briton's corner to throw in the towel with just 33 seconds left in the round.
What Itauma did in the 8th round made no sense. He shouldn't have thrown his waning strength into such a furious attack. He shouldn't have lost like that. He should have fought like he did in the previous 7 rounds, or even more sparingly like in round 7. Maybe he would have been knocked out in rounds 11/12. He probably would have regretted not going for the knockout earlier, but there was no room to look for a knockout in the 8th. Another great victory for Abel Sanchez.