LAS VEGAS, NV - DECEMBER 4: (R-L) Filip Hrgovic knocks down Emir Ahmatovic during their heavyweight bout at the MGM Grand Garden Arena on December 4, 2021 in Las Vegas, NV. (Photo by Louis Grasse/PxImages/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
The first details about the supporting bouts for the massive Unified Heavyweight World Title rematch between Oleksandr Uzyk and Anthony Joshua are now confirmed. On Saturday, August 20, the rivals will be at it again in Jeddah (Kingdom of Saudi Arabia). Whether this bout or any sporting event should happen in Saudi Arabia is a sore point with many people around the World, but make no mistake about it Usyk/Joshua is a huge fight. Now, it seems we may actually get some decent fights on a PPV undercard. Check out the best new sportsbooks for betting on Boxing.
Filip Hrgovic, a Croatian Heavyweight champion, has never been beaten. He now faces Zhilei Zhang, undefeated, in a Final Eliminator to fight for the IBF Heavyweight World Title. They were originally scheduled to meet on May’s undercard of Canelo Alvarez vs Dmitry Bivol, but they will now face off on the Red Sea.
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Hrgovic is ranked No.3 in the IBF rankings. The big-hitting titan has been looking for a partner to dance with him during a contest to name the challenger to the title currently held by Usyk of Ukraine. Hrgovic, a 30-year-old Olympic bronze medallist, has fought his way through the ranks to be in prime position for the chance at the big prize. He won all of his fights within the distance and did not go beyond the fifth round in any of his seven previous outings.
Zhilei Zhang is a fighter I respect, even though there were many others who could have fought him. Hrgovic stated that respect is not limited to the ring. “It’ll be business as normal for me when I step into there and look at what I do best, which is put people away.” Zhang is not an overly talented Heavyweight, but he does possess the kind of power to make this a dangerous night for Hrgovic.
This fight has a lot at stake. “I’m a fighter that belongs at the top in this division. Zhang will be dealt with, and I will go on to defeat whoever it is out of Usyk and Joshua.”
He said, “I’m entering my prime and now is the best time to challenge the top fighters of this division.” I will be the heavyweight champion of the world.”
Many Heavyweights were invited to the match with ‘El Animal’. However, it wasn’t until Zhang, No.15 in the rankings, was offered the opportunity. The Chinese superstar accepted the challenge. Hrgovic has been waiting for the big showdown, and ‘Big Bang’ has granted his wish. The two KO artists promise to go to war, with a knockout being the only conceivable conclusion.
Zhang said, “I look forward to August 20.” “My team and I have been working daily to get this fight. Hrgovic will be my toughest opponent in professional life. IBF mandatory challenger status will be mine if I win this fight. This fight is very important to me. I will be in the fittest shape I have ever been.”
Kalle Sauerland (Head of Global Boxing), said, “The cream always rises to the top, and if we look at the targeted enemies who didn’t want Hrgovic in the ring, there are plenty of people who clearly agree that’s his level.”
“Zhang was strong enough to win the fight, but it doesn’t matter if it had been Zhang or any other heavyweight in this division. The outcome will remain the same. AJ and Oleksandr still have a lot of work ahead of them, but their hardest fight is yet to come.
Is Hrgovic that good? If he is, he should easily dispatch Zhang, a limited power puncher, but remember, this is the Heavyweight division. When two punchers like this get together, anything can happen.
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