Filip Hrgovic will challenge Oleksandr Usyk face-to-face next week after rubberstamping his position as the next in line to the heavyweight throne.
The tough Croatian plans to be at ringside in Poland to watch Oleksandr Usyk and Daniel Dubois. Hrgovic will fight for the world title after cementing his position as the mandatory challenger for the IBF belt.
“El Animal” stopped Demsey McKean in the twelfth round on Saturday night at the 02 Arena in London. In the process, he confirmed that he would get a shot at the winner of Usyk and Dubois.
In his first UK bout, Hrgovic moved to 16-0 with his thudding TKO of the brave McKean. He instantly turned his attention to his shot at the IBF world title.
The 31-year-old says he will attend Usyk vs Dubois on August 26, hoping the winner “follows the rules” and will fight him next.
“I hope it happens. I should fight Usyk next. But I deserve that,” said Hrgovic after laboring to a victory over McKean. “I will go there to watch that fight from ringside.”
Usyk vs Hrgovic
Giving his prediction for the fight, Hrgovic undoubtedly sees a future battle with Usyk on the horizon.
“Usyk is the big favorite to win that fight because he is quicker. He e is a really good fighter. But Dubois is a good puncher, a big guy with a straight right hand, so you never know.
“My message is: follow the rules. The winner should fight me next,” he stated,
Hrgovic had to bide his time against a tough McKean. But after landing a heavy right hook in the final round, the referee stepped in at 61 seconds to call the contest off.
The top contender added: “I am satisfied. The fact that he held a lot made the fight a little bit ugly.
“The referee should have given him at least one point deduction. He was holding too much. But he’s a good fighter, brave, and well-prepared.
“I was controlling the fight and was winning most of the rounds. I thought I would knock him out in the first six rounds, but he did very well.
“He’s a decent fighter. I was surprised he took some good shots and kept coming and throwing punches.”
However, Hrgovic will have to improve significantly based on his last two performances. Usyk will begin as the huge favorite.