What’s Next For Filip Hrgovic?

Filip Hrgovic defeated Joe Joyce in their heavyweight fight, raising question marks over his next steps. 

It was the perfect response to Hrgovic’s last fight where he was stopped by Daniel Dubois. The defeat meant he missed out on the IBF Interim Heavyweight Title and the full title once Oleksandr Usyk vacated his belt. Hrgovic could now target the rematch with Dubois. It was the first loss of his career, having been stopped, which was a major setback for his world title hopes.

Hrgovic also started the fight well, landing numerous right hands before Dubois turned it around. However, Dubois is targeting a fight with Usyk, meaning it is an unlikely match-up. Joseph Parker also has a claim to the Dubois fight, as they were meant to face off before Daniel pulled out due to illness. But that was Hrgovic’s focus.

Hrgovic Vs. Dubois

“This guy beat Dubois and I beat him so I want a rematch with Daniel Dubois. I did really bad in my last fight but congrats to him and he did a great job in his last fight. Of course I want to rematch him one day. Thanks to Joe for this opportunity. I came in on short notice, I wasn’t quite ready. I’m really happy to be back and look forward to big fights in the future. This guy is like steel, I couldn’t believe he took all the shots. He’s a tough guy, a beast, very strong,” Hygovic stated 

There is also the chance to face Anthony Joshua. The latter is also with Matchroom Boxing, making it much easier to make that fight. Hrgovic was seen as the bogeyman of the division before his loss to Dubois. Meanwhile, Joshua is looking for an opponent after the Dubois rematch broke down. Joshua is injured and not expected to return until the summer, giving both time to prepare for a bout. Since Tyson Fury is currently retired, Joshua vs. Hrgovic could happen. 

Alternatively, if no big fight presents itself, Hrgovic could keep himself active by facing Martin Bakolie. The latter is ranked just above Hrgovic in the WBA rankings. Bakolie faces Efe Ajagba in his next fight in May. A win puts his Joseph Parker loss behind him, possibly setting up a future Bakole fight. 

Full Card

Filip Hrgovic beat Joe Joyce by unanimous decision after 10 rounds (heavyweights)

David Adeleye stopped Jeamie Tshikeva in round 6 to win the vacant British heavyweight title

Jack Rafferty stopped Cory O’Regan in round 5 to keep his Commonwealth super lightweight title

Delicious Orie won on points after 4 rounds against Milos Veletic (heavyweights)

Khaleel Majid beat Alex Murphy by unanimous decision after 10 rounds (super lightweights)

Royston Barney-Smith won on points over 8 rounds against Cesar Ignacio Paredes (super featherweights)

Mark Chamberlain beat Miguel Angel Scaringi on points after 8 rounds (super lightweights)