Hrgovic Calls Out Joshua – ‘I Can Beat Him’
Filip Hrgovic has called out Anthony Joshua for a fight, setting up the future narrative for an IBF title clash.
Joshua and Hrgovic both came through with impressive wins on the ‘Day of Reckoning’ card in Saudi Arabia. The Brit stopped Otto Wallin after round five, which followed Deontay Wilder’s loss to Joseph Parker. That meant the Bronze Bomber was no longer the focus as the talk turned to Hrgovic.
The Croatian stopped Mark de Mori in the first round, which kept his unbeaten record of 17-0, with 14 knockouts. Eddie Hearn confirmed that Hrgovic would be next. The fight makes sense, too, since both fighters are under the Matchroom banner. A win for Joshua makes him a three-time world champion, which Hearn backed him to do.
Hrgovic Vs. Joshua
“He wants to become a three-time heavyweight world champion. It will be Filip Hrgovic against AJ for the world title. I am so happy to see him smiling and performing so well. He is a dangerous man when he is in that kind of mood. 2024 is going to be very interesting, every heavyweight should be on notice – he is back,” Hearn said
Hrgovic’s resume does have some credible names. He has wins over Demsey McKean and Zhilei Zhang. Zhang is a dangerous fighter, having stopped Joe Joyce in back-to-back fights to become the WBO heavyweight interim champion. That was the first defeat of Zhang’s career, even if there was controversy surrounding the result, with many feeling Zhang should have been given the decision. But looking ahead, Hrgovic was ready for the challenge.
Hrgovic Wants AJ
“A lot of options [are next]. I know I’m the next in the line. Whoever it will be, I believe I will fight for the title. I just want a title shot. [And] I don’t care who it is. I would like to fight Anthony Joshua. He’s one of the biggest names in the sport, and I feel I can beat him,” Hrgovic said
Another man who has been mentioned for Hrgovic has been Jared Anderson. The American is one of the best-rising heavyweights around. He is undefeated, with a record of 16-0, with 15 knockouts. Anderson has a win over former IBF world champion Charles Martin, showing he has what it takes against world-level opponents. When Hrgovic was asked about facing Anderson, he was dismissive of the American’s skills.
“Jared Anderson is for breakfast, for this kid it is not too smart to fight with me,” Hrgovic revealed
Anderson On Hrgovic
Anderson picked up on those words and hit back immediately. The American desires to be a world champion in 2024. Bob Arum has confirmed that he aims to get his fighter a world title shot next year, and Hrgovic would be a step in the right direction since he is the IBF mandatory. Anderson warned the Croatian over mentioning his name in that manner.
“Be careful what you ask for. Be careful what you ask for,” Anderson stated
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