Filip Hrgovic is set to face off with Moses Itauma in a clash for the vacant IBF heavyweight world title next weekend – and the Croatian already knows who he wants to take on in his first fight as champion.
‘El Animal’ could have become a heavyweight world champion back in 2024, but lost to Daniel Dubois in a battle for the IBF Interim title, with Dubois being elevated to full world champion soon afterwards.
Hrgovic has responded well to a first career loss, stringing together three consecutive victories over British heavyweights in Joe Joyce, David Adeleye and Dave Allen, before agreeing to collide with a fifth straight Briton in Itauma.
Despite the fact that Hrgovic will step through the ropes as a major underdog come fight night, the 34-year-old told DAZN Boxing of his intentions to rematch Dubois and avenge his solitary defeat, after he puts an end to the hype surrounding Itauma.
“I am going to stop Moses and stop that hype. Then, I will fight Dubois for [WBO] world title and kill him.”
Whilst Hrgovic may wish to take on Dubois if he upsets Itauma, Cuba’s Frank Sanchez is likely to be the next opponent for the victor of next weekend’s duel, as Sanchez agreed to a step-aside deal in order to allow the IBF title to be added to the bout.
Meanwhile, Dubois is poised to rematch Fabio Wardley in an attempted first defence of the WBO heavyweight world title, with Saturday, October 17, being the rumoured date for a second showdown at the Co-op Live Arena in Manchester.
