Full Breakdown
Filip Hrgovic's Heavyweight Plans: A Showdown Looms
4/1/2026, 10:15:09 PM
Upcoming Fight with Dave Allen
Filip Hrgovic, the Croatian heavyweight known as 'El Animal', is set to face British boxer Dave Allen on May 16 at the Eco-Power Stadium in Doncaster. This match is pivotal for Hrgovic as he aims to maintain his winning streak and position himself for future high-stakes bouts. Hrgovic has previously secured victories against notable opponents, including Joe Joyce and Demsey McKean, but suffered a defeat against Daniel Dubois. A win against Allen is crucial for Hrgovic to advance his career and fulfill contractual obligations with his promoter, Queensberry Promotions.
Contractual Obligations and Future Opponents
Hrgovic's contract stipulates that he must face one of several prominent heavyweights later this year, contingent on his victory over Allen. The names listed in his contract include Moses Itauma, Agit Kabayel, Daniel Dubois, and Fabio Wardley. Hrgovic expressed confidence in his future, stating, "I get paid and I move forward for my second fight in a new deal with Queensberry. I have in contract a few names that must get delivered." The potential matchups are significant, particularly as Hrgovic seeks a rematch with Dubois, who is set to challenge for the WBO heavyweight title against Wardley shortly before Hrgovic's fight.
Moses Itauma's Rising Profile
Moses Itauma, a promising 21-year-old heavyweight, has emerged as a potential opponent for Hrgovic. Recently, Itauma secured his 14th consecutive victory by stopping Jermaine Franklin, enhancing his reputation in the boxing community. Itauma has expressed interest in facing Hrgovic, labeling him as an ideal next opponent. However, the timelines for both fighters may not align, as Itauma is scheduled to return to the ring in July. The WBO has also recommended Itauma as the mandatory challenger, which could complicate Hrgovic's plans.
Criticism and Market Dynamics
While Hrgovic's upcoming fight with Allen is seen as a stepping stone, some critics argue that it lacks the competitive edge of his previous bouts. Hrgovic's promoter, Frank Warren, noted that Itauma had previously priced himself out of a fight with Hrgovic, suggesting that negotiations could be challenging. Additionally, the boxing landscape is evolving, with various fighters vying for title shots, making it essential for Hrgovic to secure a decisive victory against Allen to maintain his standing.
What's Next for Hrgovic and Itauma
Should Hrgovic defeat Allen, he is likely to pursue a fight with either Itauma or Kabayel, both of whom are positioned favorably in the heavyweight rankings. The outcome of the Wardley-Dubois fight will also play a critical role in shaping Hrgovic's next steps. As the heavyweight division continues to develop, both Hrgovic and Itauma are poised to make significant impacts, with potential championship opportunities on the horizon.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I get paid, and I move forward for my second fight in a new deal with Queensberry.” — Filip Hrgovic, Heavyweight Boxer
- “There’s two ways to say you don’t want the fight: you either say you don’t want the fight or you want a trillion pounds for it.” — Filip Hrgovic, Heavyweight Boxer
This upcoming bout and the subsequent contractual obligations highlight the dynamic nature of the heavyweight boxing scene, with Hrgovic and Itauma both aiming for significant opportunities in the near future.
