No rumor for fight from Filip Hrgovic ?

[gregregegg]

But it’s hard to blaim that here seeing as anyone of the 15 could of chosen to take this to purse bids.

I believe the IBF only ordered a purse bid for Hrgovic-Hunter.

The American was a free agent (he didn't have the financial support of promoter) so he declined the Hrgovic fight, because the purse he was offered was allegedly inferior than the sums he's currently commanding with his newly-signed multi-fight deal with Triller.

In terms of the other IBF ranked fighters that rejected the chance to face Hrgovic, they weren't purse bids. The IBF didn't order anything for those guys.

It's clear that Filip Hrgovic is a commercially unpopular fighter, which explains Matchroom's handling of his career.

Any one of the 15 could of said yes and then forced it to purse bids i thought. I think the problem is people were saying no befor it even got to purse bids. never entirly sure how it works when they start working way down, but if while working down one said yes i want to fight him then they couldent agree on purses wouldent it go to bids?

[candyslim]

They all turned it down except Hrgovic and he was willing to fight anyone for the purse on offer. Hunter was going to get what Hrgovic got plus half as much again. If none of them want to fight him for the money on offer they are perfectly entitled to decline, but don't cry if Hrgovic is made mandatory by default. He's not complaining that the equivalent of a wealthier than average person's lifesavings for one fight, is inadequate.

As for being 'commercially unpopular' i think that is a matter of geography. Filip is a Croat. Boxing is not especially popular in Croatia and the population is not large. It maybe possible for Hrg to become a national icon like Pulev in Bulgaria but it's looking unlikely now.

It is normal in any sport for people to support their own. If Hrgovic were British make no mistake he would be a star in the UK and make a lot of money, but he isn't and he won't which is a fact not lost on Eddie Hearn.

Unfortunately Hrgovic is doomed to be a fighter nobody wants to face for less than a hell of a lot of money, and he just doesn't generate the kind of revenue that makes paying a hell of a lot of money feasible. His best shot is to become mandatory - by default if necessary, and then eventually to become champion.

[Enlightened-One]

They all turned it down except Hrgovic and he was willing to fight anyone for the purse on offer.

Unfortunately Hrgovic is doomed to be a fighter nobody wants to face...

Any one of the 15 could of said yes and then forced it to purse bids i thought. I think the problem is people were saying no befor it even got to purse bids.

Why are people pretending that Hrgovic's handlers attempted to make fights against all the top-15 ranked IBF fighters?

It simply didn't happen.

Only a few days ago, Peter Fury conveyed his frustration about Eddie Hearn failing to contact him to make the Hughie Fury-Filip Hrgovic bout?

Both fighters are stablemates. They're both promoted by Eddie Hearn. They're both top-15 IBF rated heavyweights.

And if Matchroom aren't attempting to pit Hrgovic against any of his fellow stablemates, then you have to assume they haven't even contacted the majority of the other top-15 rated IBF fighters either.

Seriously guys! Where are you getting this false information? Your claims are laughably inaccurate!

[peter barlow]

Hearn hasn't mentioned Hrgovic or Fury in a while.

Should put them in together or with Dillian Whyte. He has several Heavyweights he claims nobody wants to fight, why don't they fight each other. Del Boy and Joe Joyce are others with nothing planned.

[gregregegg]

They all turned it down except Hrgovic and he was willing to fight anyone for the purse on offer.

Unfortunately Hrgovic is doomed to be a fighter nobody wants to face...

Any one of the 15 could of said yes and then forced it to purse bids i thought. I think the problem is people were saying no befor it even got to purse bids.

Why are people pretending that Hrgovic's handlers attempted to make fights against all the top-15 ranked IBF fighters?

It simply didn't happen.

Only a few days ago, Peter Fury conveyed his frustration about Eddie Hearn failing to contact him to make the Hughie Fury-Filip Hrgovic bout?

Both fighters are stablemates. They're both promoted by Eddie Hearn. They're both top-15 IBF rated heavyweights.

And if Matchroom aren't attempting to pit Hrgovic against any of his fellow stablemates, then you have to assume they haven't even contacted the majority of the other top-15 rated IBF fighters either.

Seriously guys! Where are you getting this false information? Your claims are laughably inaccurate!

Wasnt hughie only added to the IBF rankings after he went through the entire top 15. i dont think he has been there long. i remember getting excited when he got put in the IBF top 15 because i actualy really like the hughie vs hrgovic match up.

I dont belive they have tried to make a fight, but i kinda do belive that they have sent an email saying "hey your next in line for IBF mandatory" and then people havent pursued/turned it down it because they dont think the money will be there for the risk.

[Enlightened-One]

They all turned it down except Hrgovic and he was willing to fight anyone for the purse on offer.

Unfortunately Hrgovic is doomed to be a fighter nobody wants to face...

Any one of the 15 could of said yes and then forced it to purse bids i thought. I think the problem is people were saying no befor it even got to purse bids.

Why are people pretending that Hrgovic's handlers attempted to make fights against all the top-15 ranked IBF fighters?

It simply didn't happen.

Only a few days ago, Peter Fury conveyed his frustration about Eddie Hearn failing to contact him to make the Hughie Fury-Filip Hrgovic bout?

Both fighters are stablemates. They're both promoted by Eddie Hearn. They're both top-15 IBF rated heavyweights.

And if Matchroom aren't attempting to pit Hrgovic against any of his fellow stablemates, then you have to assume they haven't even contacted the majority of the other top-15 rated IBF fighters either.

Seriously guys! Where are you getting this false information? Your claims are laughably inaccurate!

Wasnt hughie only added to the IBF rankings after he went through the entire top 15. i dont think he has been there long. i remember getting excited when he got put in the IBF top 15 because i actualy really like the hughie vs hrgovic match up.

I dont belive they have tried to make a fight, but i kinda do belive that they have sent an email saying "hey your next in line for IBF mandatory" and then people havent pursued/turned it down it because they dont think the money will be there for the risk.

Hughie Fury has been ranked amongst the IBF's top-15 since February 2021.

Filip Hrgovic and Hughie Fury are both promoted by Matchroom.

Eddie Hearn has never attempted to make the Hrgovic-Fury fight.

I can't recall Matchroom pitting Hrgovic against any of the heavyweights within their own stable.

Matchroom hasn't attempted to orchestrate the IBF final eliminator by reaching out to all the other top-15 ranked fighters.

[peter barlow]

Matchroom need to get HW fights signed asap

[peter barlow]

Supposedly Babic will call out Hrgovic if he wins tomorrow.

They're considering doing it in Croatia depending on pandemic restrictions there.
Hrgovic is meant to fight on a Hearn card in America soon probably the Whyte card in a stay busy.

[joshj909]

Matchroom need to get HW fights signed asap

Eddie doesn't seem to be expanding well enough to progress certain fighters careers. Matchroom might end up with a high output but most of their boxers are becoming more and more inactive, especially the ones that expect to get paid fairly well. I understand each market has it's limits to how many events they'll tune in to or pay for but Hearn either needs to expand the target countries or focus more on the fighters he has. There'd be nothing wrong with Parker fighting a top 25 heavy in NZ if it doesn't fit into the UK or US schedule.

[candyslim]

@ EO:

Why would Hrgovic´s handlers be charged with task of making fights against each of the top 15? I wouldn't expect that and I certainly made no such claim.

It's the IBF's mandatory that's up for grabs in a final eliminator that has Hrgovic on one side and on the other Charles Martin, oh ok not Charles Martin, Michael Hunter then, oh ok not Michael Hunter then.

As the governing body, it's up to the IBF to sound out the potential candidates and determine who will participate in their final eliminator. Ok once both parties are agreed in principle to contest the fight then it'll be up to those parties to come to an agreement as regards the finances. If one party (Hunter) pulls out then it's for the IBF to nominate a replacement who is in principle prepared to meet the remaining party (Hrgovic) subject to finances etc.

Why am I telling you this EO? You know how it works better than I do.

[candyslim]

Following on from that did Peter Fury ask Eddie Hearn if he would be interested in matching Hrgovic with Hughie?

If he didn't is that because he was waiting to hear from the IBF enquiring whether Hughie would be interested in principle in participating in an eliminator against Hrgovic subject to agreement on finances etc?

He's a Fury. He's not going to miss an opportunity for a spot of Hearn-bashing is he? It's conceivable Hearn hasn't given any thought to Hughie. He has rather a lot of plates to keep spinning.

[ironbeard]

Hearn hasn't mentioned Hrgovic or Fury in a while.

Should put them in together or with Dillian Whyte. He has several Heavyweights he claims nobody wants to fight, why don't they fight each other. Del Boy and Joe Joyce are others with nothing planned.

The whole damn weight class has next to nothing planned.

[morm]

18 days to the fight and no name yet.... come one i waiting every day for the info

[candyslim]

Process of elimination I expect. Hunter declined so they ask the next guy and the next. A fight against Hrgovic isn't going to be lucrative and it's going to be one where you stand a good chance of losing, it's pretty much nailed on if you're McKean. Maybe he thinks he has to make his move now before Huni gets to take his '0'?

I thought Bakole would be the one to accept the challenge. Presumably he would have been given the opportunity before they got down as far as McKean?

Rumours are now circulating that Martin Bakole-Ilunga has agreed to face Hrgovic in the final eliminator for the IBF's mandatory challenger status.

It was suggested by YouTuber "Sporting Icons" that Sauerlands/Wasserman had confirmed that approaches had been made by the IBF to each of their top ten (who were elligible) and each had declined. Furthermore that invitations were being extended in turn to those ranked 11 - 15. That suggests Hughie declined which surprises me somewhat (Say what you like about Hughie but he isn't usually shy of tough opponents)

[Enlightened-One]

@ EO:

Why would Hrgovic´s handlers be charged with task of making fights against each of the top 15? I wouldn't expect that and I certainly made no such claim.

Sorry, I missed this post... apologies for the late reply.

Forget about the IBF, why hasn't Hrgovic's handlers orchestrated any decent bouts for their fighter?

I would expect them to have progressed Hrgovic to facing at least fringe top-ten world-rated competition by now, instead of mismatch-after-mismatch lather, rinse, repeat.

Don't you agree?

[candyslim]

We have discussed this at length even during the last twenty four hours and I thought we'd more or less reached agreement that Sauerland or Wasserman are largely to blame.

I don't accept they have little faith in Hrgovic's ability so I'm left wondering whether they lack the means or the inclination to invest to the extent they need to. They may be victims of a global pandemic. They may just be cheapskates.

Their failings are distinct from the current situation with the IBF in as much as it's the IBF's task to nominate an opponent who is willing to contest an eliminator with Hrgovic (subject to subsequent agreement regarding purses)

To be honest EO I'm not clear what happens there. Perhaps you can educate me? When we hear numbers like 250k for the lower ranked contender and 375k for the higher ranked as per IBF rules, presumably they are saying these are the minimum purses required to stake the fight that the IBF demand of the promoter, which is not to say that there will be a fight if the promoter agrees to match that requirement, because one or both of the fighters might have a different idea as to what they want in order to participate.

If I'm right that doesn't mean Hrgovic's people have a part to play in the selection of the eliminator opponent, that would be exceeding their authority but of course they are accountable for other opponents selected to fight Hrgovic throughout his career..

It doesn't excuse their past dereliction but this elimination situation has been going for quite a while. It looks like Filip will either fight an eliminator, or if agreement cannot be reached he will most likely be made mandatory without needing to fight. Perhaps then Sauerland see no need, or in fact any point, in offering more than the bare minimum, why would they?

[Enlightened-One]

"Filip Hrgovic Will Have IBF Final Eliminator Next, Says Promoter"

Heavyweight banger Filip Hrgovic fully intends to enforce a mandatory world title shot at Anthony Joshua.

This past Friday in Austria, Hrgovic blasted out unbeaten boxer Marko Radonjic in three rounds. Hrgovic scored five knockdowns before the contest was waved off.

Hrgovic was in line for an IBF final eliminator against Michael Hunter. The two sides were unable to reach a deal.

After picking up a stay-busy win, the unbeaten Olympic bronze medal winner will now pursue his IBF eliminator.

"Next for Filip Hrgovic is the final eliminator for the IBF world heavyweight championship and that is a fight that will take place later this year," said the boxer's promoter, Kalle Sauerland.

"It's a massive opportunity for him to fulfil his dream of becoming World Champion. El Animal is coming."

Joshua currently holds the IBF, IBO, WBA, WBO world titles. He makes a mandatory defense on September 25 against Oleksandr Usyk at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Sauerland is trying to get someone else to replace Hunter in the IBF eliminator, but there aren't many takers stepping up to face Hrgovic, who presents a very high risk scenario for top contenders.

If Joshua is still champion in 2022, Hrgovic hopes to be in line to force an IBF mandatory shot.

In a past interview, Hrgovic suggested that Joshua would be a more dangerous opponent than current WBC heavyweight champion Tyson Fury, who will defend his belt in a trilogy fight against Deontay Wilder on October 9 at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

"He [Joshua] is the bigger puncher, he throws more combinations, he is good with the jab and fast with his feet. He is better at inside-fighting. Fury has his awkward style but that's all he has. Joshua is the more complete fighter," Hrgovic said.

[candyslim]

That's interesting what Hrgovic has to say about the relative merits of Joshua and Fury.

[morm]

Last rumor , in Haney card , Hrgovic vs Scott Alexander

My God Hrgovic .....please dont be true.....

[peter barlow]

Kalle doing YouTube interviews today and not asked on Hrgo

Ortiz vs Martin is an IBF eliminator

[Mexi-Box]

Not sure what you can do. Dude just isn't popular, and a red-hot contender like Michael Hunter won't risk his title shot fighting against a dude that draws -1 fans. Zero reward if he beats Hrgovic too. Just doesn't make sense. Hrgovic just needs to maintain a good presence in the US or Britain, stop fighting overseas.

[Enlightened-One]

Filip Hrgovic has become a laughing stock and is probably nowhere near as good as the hype he receives from die-hard boxing fans.

And the reason is pretty obvious, he's been recently working with cash-rich promoters that work with lots of world-rated heavyweights, but they're unwilling to invest in him and orchestrate meaningful fights, probably because they think they won't see a return on their money.

I'll probably receive a lot of flack for this opinion, but isn't it kind of obvious when Hrgovic rarely competes and whenever he does, it's in a different country every outing facing the same calibre of journeymen?

Hrgovic's rivals will eagerly face him if they're getting paid, but they aren't, so they won't.

Look at the names that have beaten him multiple times in the amateurs and the WSB: Yoka; and Joyce.

And then look at the type of opponents Hrgovic has been facing in the pros for the last four years and then compare them to Yoka and Joyce.

Does anybody seriously believe fellow contenders, such as Yoka and Joyce, would be "scared" of sharing the ring with Hrgovic again? The answer is obvious.

That said, if no one is getting paid their worth to face Hrgovic and it doesn't advance their careers, then there's no reason to needlessly take a risk and fight him.

Has Filip Hrgovic become the Croatian equivalent of fellow hype jobs like Luis 'King Kong' Ortiz and Michael Grant? Meaning that he'll eventually receive an undeserving world title shot, which will ultimately result in him getting KO'd.

[candyslim]

Personally I don't know what the hell they (Sauerland/Wasserman) are doing with Hrgovic's career, and he has to accept no small part of the blame himself. Neither do I know how good he is currently, he does appear to have gone backwards but it must be difficult to motivate yourself to put on a performance to fight someone you could easily beat if you'd never been near a gymn from the day you turned pro.

What I do know for certain is that Filip Hrgovic was a world class amateur and WSB fighter, if I remember correctly he was a youngster losing to a seasoned international at the time when Joyce beat him. I can't say for sure about the first Yoka defeat or his victory over Yoka but what I can say for definite is that his loss to Yoka in the Olympic semi-final was a blatant robbery and I felt he should have taken gold if their relative performances against Joe Joyce means anything. Unless you want to go back 6 or 7 years then the only people who beat him were top amateurs.

It saddens me to see his vast potential being squandered in this way. I agree he should base himself in the UK and try to establish a fan base there. He doesn't have the exciting style and personality of his compatriot Alen Babic but he is way more talented. It can be done and with the UK crowd behind him this might encourage a bit of much needed investment from the people who are supposed to be backing him and guiding his career.

[Enlightened-One]

I suppose Hrgovic can always look on the bright side, because even if his boxing career is going nowhere, at least he'll be world-rated when it comes to the amount of air miles and hotel loyalty points he’s collected.

And he’ll also be great if he’s asked any geography-related questions during pub quizzes!

I suspect he'll also have a pretty mean collection of mini boxing gloves he can hang around his car mirror!

[margaret thatcher]

maybe fill just loves beating up cans for minimum risk and pounding sexy croatian babes, maybe fighting for titles etc means nothing to him