Filip Hrgovic made easy work of Dave Allen and took his moment post-fight to send a chilling message to rising star Moses Itauma.
Croatia’s Hrgovic was quick to apologise to the fans in the stadium.
“Sorry, guys. I know I’m not the favourite guy here. It is what it is, that’s boxing. Thanks to Dave Allen, his team, Queensberry and DAZN for this event. I’m moving forward to become the heavyweight champion of the world.
“I started fast because I saw all my punches connecting. He was very awkward from the beginning, so I wanted to finish him fast to make a statement.”
Hrgovic then immediately turned his attention to what comes next after three dominant rounds, and he spoke on the rumours that he will have a quick turnaround to face Itauma in August.
“I want a fight with anyone in the division. Moses, anyone. I just need to sit with my manager and team, see if there are any injuries or cuts. Give me a mirror, I’ll sign the contract now … I never run from any opponent … Look, if I’m healthy, no problem for me. We need to see what’s going on. I need to rest. Moses will never reach the promised land. You know what I mean?”
Promoter George Warren made it clear that Itauma-Hrgovic is the target, but is aware that the next few days are crucial to see if the timeline works for the Croatian, who had a small cut open up before the towel came in.
“Yeah, we can … That fight’s there. It’s done. Filip, when he re-signed with Queensberry, he was contracted on the basis that that fight was one of the options that we could put to him. As he said, he’s got a slight nick on his eye, and needs to go and make sure that that’s okay.
“Moses is booked for August. As soon as we’re back in the office next week, that’s my job. Get that fight done and announced. This guy is a world-class operator, and if Moses wants to be a world champion, Filip wants to be a world champion; they’re gonna have to get it on at some point, so let’s get it on now.”
