The Croatian is a potential rival for Alexander after (or even instead of) The Gypsy King
Croatian heavyweight Filip Hrgovic predicted the winner in the upcoming superfight between the WBO/WBA/IBF/IBO heavyweight world champion Alexander Usik and WBC title holder Tyson Fury.
“I think Usyk will win this fight. I give him the advantage in this fight. I predict that Usyk will win. Of course, this is a tough fight for him. This is a tough fight for both, but this is my forecast. In my opinion, Usyk is a more complete fighter.”
Let us remind you that Fury and Usyk were supposed to fight for the title of absolute world heavyweight champion on February 17. Lennox Lewis was appointed special guest of the event, and the undercard included fights between former IBF world heavyweight champion Jay Opetai, Moses Itauma and IBF world super featherweight champion Joe Cordina.
Two weeks before the fight, Fury was injured during sparring. The Briton’s injury required stitches. Opinions among functionaries about Tyson’s injury were divided. British cutman Jorge Capetillo believes that the boxer will need at least three months to recover. His position is shared by the brother of former “interim” WBC champion Dillian Whyte, Dean White.
At one time, Hrgovic was considered as a replacement for the “Gypsy King”. The winner of the fight between Alexander and Fury was obliged to defend the title against the Croatian without any intermediate fights, or to vacate the belt.
The unification fight for the title of absolute world heavyweight champion has received a new date – Fury and Usyk are scheduled to meet in the ring on May 18. The event, as before, will be hosted by the capital of Saudi Arabia, Riyadh. The WBC proposes to reform the judges for the reporting fight, increasing their number to 5-6 people.
Penalties for boxers who refuse to fight are $10 million. At the same time, the contract for the fight between the Ukrainian and the British has a rematch clause.
According to Sergei Lapin, Usik’s manager and trainer, the agreement contains a clause to replace Fury with Hrgovic if the Briton “continues to run away.”
Source: Sportarena
I am Ashley Ortiz and I am a professional journalist working for Athletistic. My specialty is in sports journalism, particularly boxing. I have written articles for some of the most renowned publications on the subject, and my work has been featured across both print and digital media platforms.
