Filip Hrgovic delivers damning verdict on heavyweight rival: ‘He shouldn’t be fighting anymore’

The heavyweight division appears to be heating up again, with Queensberry Promotions promoting Filip Hrgovic, Daniel Dubois, and Agit Kabayel, making unifications a distinct possibility in 2027. IBF title holder Hrgovic has spoken to Ariel Helwani, giving a damning verdict on Anthony Joshua.

Heavyweight division

The heavyweight division is at a fascinating stage, with Oleksandr Usyk almost retired and only retaining his Ring Magazine belt, with the Ukrainian reportedly looking for one more fight.

WBC champion Kabayel (27-0, 19 KOs) is due back in action on November 28, when he will face Nelson Hysa at the Merkur Spiel-Arena in Dusseldorf.

IBF champion Filip Hrgovic (21-1, 16 KOs) won the title last time out, with a stunning stoppage win against Moses Itauma. His next move has yet to be confirmed, but it is likely to be against Frank Sanchez in Croatia early next year, according to his manager, Keith Connolly.

Daniel Dubois is still the WBO champion after his brutal stoppage win in the rematch against Fabio Wardley. He has made it clear he wants the biggest fights possible, even teasing a potential showdown with the winner of Tyson Fury vs Anthony Joshua.

Murat Gassiev is the WBA regular champion, with Fury-Joshua set to be for the WBA super title. It remains unclear who will be seen as the main man by the WBA and move on to unification fights.

Filip Hrgovic delivers brutal verdict on Anthony Joshua

When speaking to Ariel Helwani, Hrgovic didn’t hold back on his view on Joshua:

“When I saw that last fight, I felt sorry for him because before the fight, he said he shut all his businesses to focus on boxing. He changed a coach for the 20th time. He started to work with Usyk’s team. He did everything he could do.

“And then he comes to the fight with a journeyman, and he goes down in 10 seconds. I couldn’t believe it. I felt sorry for him, and I think he shouldn’t be fighting anymore…. He’s just not there, man.”

The Big Fight Weekend verdict

2027 has the potential to be a huge year for heavyweight boxing. The potential for unification fights has rarely been closer, with Frank Warren promoting three of the four champions. It would be brilliant to see a series of unification fights next year, and if Hrgovic can defeat Frank Sanchez, he will be right at the front of such discussions.

He has made it clear on various occasions that he would love the opportunity to gain revenge against Dubois, with the Brit wearing him out and stopping him in 2024.

At Big Fight Weekend, we would love to see Daniel Dubois vs Agit Kabayel! What unification would you like to see most in 2027?

Featured Image Credit:

Queensberry Promotions