Tony Yoka Vs Filip Hrgovic Is Finally On The Cards

IBF can finally have a sigh of relief after spending weeks to find a dance partner for heavyweight star Filip Hrgovic (14-0, 12 KO).

The 29-year-old had been eyeing the top 15 boxers in IBF’s ranking for the heavyweights, but no one wanted to mess with him in the title eliminator, including both Luis Ortiz and Joseph Parker who turned down the offers.

However, his former Olympic foe Tony Yoka (11-0, 9 KO) has accepted the challenge.

Yoka, who defeated Hrgovic via controversial split decision in the Rio 2016 super heavyweight semifinals, has officially given a green signal to the IBF’s invitation to fight Hrgovic.

Both fighters have been undefeated since turning professional. Hrgovic will have a golden opportunity to avenge his 2016 loss to Yoka and go on to cement history against the champion.

CONFIRMED: @TonyYoka has formally accepted tonight in writing the challenge to fight @Filip_Hrgovic in a final IBF Final Eliminator for the Heavyweight World Championship – El Animal has found a dance partner 🔥 pic.twitter.com/LB0datFo4H

— Kalle & Nisse Sauerland (@SauerlandBros) January 13, 2022

Yoka doesn’t have the advantage on his side for being inactive in recent years.

He has been out of action for over a year after skipping three drug tests. On the flip side, Hrgovic was left hanging in his last bout when Michael “The Bounty” Hunter pulled out at the eleventh hour.

Hrgovic will enter the fight as the betting favorite. He hasn’t quite his footing in the professional arena, but his reputation of being a heavy puncher and great outings at the Games can give Yoka a run for his money.