Joseph Parker Rejects To Replace Luiz Ortiz In IBF Title Eliminator Against Filip Hrgovic

First it was Luis Ortiz who refused an opportunity to land a world title in his next fight. Now it’s Joseph Parker.

Ortiz opted out of his next showdown where the IBF had ordered Filip Hrgovic (14-0, 12 KO) to lock horns against the King Kong.

His manager Jay Jimenez has claimed that the 42-year-old boxing ace is suffering from a fracture.

“Basically, Luis had a minimal fracture that he should be able to heal without issues, but with something like that he does not want to take any risk,” Jimenez informed.

“He is being evaluated, but he cannot fight as early as April, because he would not be in (the best physical condition). We are not against fighting against Hrgovic, or against anyone, but let it happen with the best conditions for Luis.”

Ortiz has been linked with a fight against Andy Ruiz Jr. The Ruiz fight will not only make him a top contender again if he wins, but he will make more money too. Hence, missing out on the IBF title eliminator doesn’t hurt him too much.

Tony Yoka is next in line to replace Ortiz. Yoka beat Hrgovic two in the amateur ranks, including the 2016 Olympics.

This isn’t the first time for Hrgovic where his opponent has ditched him in a title eliminator. In 2021, Michael Hunter too pulled out at the eleventh hour.