Filip Hrgovic pulled off a major upset when he defeated Moses Itauma to claim the IBF heavyweight world title last month.
Now, the Croatian has revealed his thoughts on a potential rematch with the youngster.
Itauma and Hrgovic were permitted to fight for the vacant IBF heavyweight world title when Cuba’s Frank Sanchez agreed to a ‘step-aside fee’; which saw him removed from the vacant title bout but positioned for a shot at the victor.
However, whilst many fight fans expected Itauma to make a statement and kickstart a long reign atop the heavyweight division, it was instead Hrgovic who capitalised and dispatched of the exhausted Briton in round nine of the contest.
During the aftermath, Itauma requested a rematch with Croatia’s first heavyweight world champion and even though he believes Itauma could be unbeatable in the future, Hrgovic has now told The Stomping Ground that, after watching the scrap back, he is keen for one too.
“I watched [it back] yesterday, that was the first time I watched it back and my first thought was that I can do better. I wasn’t boxing so good.
“I can do better, I can throw more, I can be faster and my first thought was that I want a rematch with this guy.
“In the end, it was a big win, a big victory, a big achievement, but I feel like I can do better. I should throw more and be faster.
“He was countering me, he was really fast and he put a little insecurity into me but I should throw more and I should be more aggressive.”
‘El Animal’ then went on to predict a more dominant showing in a potential second encounter against the 21-year-old, vowing to ‘smash’ Itauma if they collide again.
“I think, in a rematch, if the rematch happens, I will smash him.”
Whilst both men are willing to face each other once more, Sanchez seems to be the most likely opponent for Hrgovic next.
