Itauma (14-1, 12 KOs), who was a 9/1 favorite, looked on course for victory after dominating the opening seven rounds of the clash for the vacant IBF heavyweight title at O2 Arena in London.

But Hrgovic (21-1, 16 KOs) somehow absorbed all the punishment and then turned the fight on its head to force a stunning stoppage with 33 seconds left of the ninth round.

Itauma received oxygen in the ring and then left the arena on a stretcher before being taken straight to hospital.

But on Sunday evening, the 21-year-old southpaw, who had been attempting to become Britain’s youngest ever world heavyweight champion, resurfaced with a social media video.

“So yesterday wasn’t my night,” he said. “We attempted greatness and we just fell short to the more experienced man.

“I want to say congratulations to Filip Hrgovic on his win and although I never reached my desired outcome, I believe I gained experience that I'll take to my future fights.”

Itauma returned to his home from hospital in Chatham, Kent on Sunday and has been resting up after the first defeat of his entire life.

His promoter Frank Warren said he is not planning on speaking to Itauma about the future until the dust has settled on what was a crazy night in London.

Itauma added: “I want to thank the fans in and outside the arena, you guys made it a little bit more special and a little bit more electrifying than I expected.

“It was a f—ing good fight and I want to thank Queensbury and DAZN for putting this show on.

“So God bless, take care and I'll be back.”